Shloka 25
मायामृगप्रकरणम्
The Illusory Deer Episode: Ravana and Maricha at Rama’s Hermitage
पुनर्गत्वा निवृत्तश्च विचचार मृगोत्तमः।गत्वा मुहूर्तं त्वरया पुनः प्रतिनिवर्तते।।3.42.25।।
punar gatvā nivṛttaś ca vicacāra mṛgottamaḥ |
gatvā muhūrtaṃ tvarayā punaḥ pratinivartate || 3.42.25 ||
वह श्रेष्ठ मृग बार-बार आगे जाता और फिर लौट आता; थोड़ी देर वेग से जाकर, पुनः शीघ्र ही पलटकर वापस आ जाता।
The wonderful deer moved to and fro, now disappearing and now swiftly returning.
FAQs
It illustrates how temptation is engineered through repeated teasing proximity; dharma urges steadiness of mind and resistance to being drawn away from one’s duty by fascination.
The deer repeatedly approaches and withdraws to intensify interest and pursuit.
Steadfastness (dhairya): not being unsettled by enticing, fluctuating appearances.