Shloka 3.44.3
मारीचवधः — The Slaying of Maricha (Golden Deer Deception)
तं वञ्चयानो राजेन्द्रमापतन्तं निरीक्ष्यवै।बभूवान्तर्हितस्त्रासात्पुनस्सन्दर्शनेऽभवत्।।च।।बद्धासिर्धनुरादाय प्रदुद्राव यतो मृगः।
āsīt kruddhas tu kākutstho vivaśas tena mohitaḥ |
athāvatasthē saṃbhrāntaś chāyām āśritya śādvale ||
Deluded by that deer, Kākutstha grew weary and inflamed with anger. Then, bewildered, he paused upon the green grass, taking refuge in the shade.
On seeing Rama approaching him, the deer disappeared due to fear and again came within sight. With his sword and the bow, Rama chased wherever the deer ran.
Even the righteous can experience fatigue, anger, and confusion; dharma is sustained by regaining clarity rather than acting blindly under emotional pressure.
During the chase, Rāma becomes exhausted and momentarily stops under shade on a grassy patch.
Rāma’s self-control in pausing rather than acting rashly at the peak of agitation.