Shloka 3.59.12

अरण्यकाण्डे एकोनषष्टितमः सर्गः — Maricha’s Mimic Cry and the Rama–Lakshmana–Sita Confrontation

Devanagari script

किं निमित्तं तु केनापि भ्रातुरालम्ब्य मे स्वरम्।राक्षसेनेरितं वाक्यं त्राहि त्राहीति शोभने।।।।

Transliteration

kiṃ nimittaṃ tu kenāpi bhrātur ālambya me svaram |

rākṣasenā īritaṃ vākyaṃ trāhi trāhīti śobhane ||

Translation

O fair lady, for some purpose a rākṣasa, imitating my brother’s voice, uttered the words, “Save me, save me.”

Context

O fair lady, for some reason some demon has uttered these words 'Save me, save me' adapting my brother's voice.

Characters & Entities

• Lakshmana
• Sita
• Rama
• Rakshasa

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma requires vigilance against adharma’s methods: deception and mimicry are identified as tools of evil, and one must not abandon duty due to manipulated emotion.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakshmana explains the suspicious cry as a demon’s imitation intended to lure him away from guarding Sita.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective prudence—Lakshmana prioritizes his assigned duty of guarding Sita and interprets events strategically.