Shloka 1.1.49

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

ततो ज्ञातिवधं श्रुत्वा रावणः क्रोधमूर्छितः ।।।।सहायं वरयामास मारीचं नाम राक्षसम् ।

Transliteration

tato jñātivadhaṃ śrutvā rāvaṇaḥ krodhamūrchitaḥ | sahāyaṃ varayāmāsa mārīcaṃ nāma rākṣasam || 1.1.49 ||

Translation

Then, hearing of the slaughter of his kin, Rāvaṇa, overcome by anger, sought the aid of the rākṣasa named Mārīca.

Context

Having heard the slaughter of fellow rakshasa, Ravana became violent with anger and sought the help of a rakshasa named Maricha.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Mārīca
• rākṣasa
• kinsmen (jñāti)

FAQs

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

Unchecked anger distorts judgment and drives adharma; the epic cautions that krodha becomes a catalyst for destructive choices.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa learns of the deaths at Jana-sthāna and turns to Mārīca for assistance, setting the abduction plot in motion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (negatively), the verse highlights the lack of self-mastery—anger overriding विवेक (discernment).