Shloka 6.81.4

इन्द्रजितो मायासीतावधः — Indrajit’s Illusory Sita Episode and Hanuman’s Rebuke

Devanagari script

इन्द्रजित्तुततोदृष्टवाभ्रातरौरामलक्ष्मणौ ।रणायाभ्युद्यतौवीरौमायांप्रादुष्करोत्तदा ।।।।

Transliteration

indrajit tu tato dṛṣṭvā bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau |

raṇāyābhyudyatau vīrau māyāṃ prāduṣkarot tadā ||

Translation

Then Indrajit, seeing the heroic brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa fully prepared for battle, revealed his power of māyā—illusion—at that time.

Context

Indrajith, also witnessing the two brothers Rama and Lakshmana prepared for war, exhibited his trickery.

Characters & Entities

• Indrajit
• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Maya

FAQs

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

Dharma is contrasted with adharma: when direct battle cannot prevail, Indrajit turns to māyā (deception). The verse frames illusion as a morally suspect tactic against righteous warriors.

What is the narrative situation?

Indrajit observes Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa ready for combat and initiates an illusory stratagem to destabilize the opposing side.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa’s vīratva (heroic readiness) is highlighted; Indrajit’s reliance on deception underscores the opponents’ steadfastness versus trickery.