Shloka 656
प्रत्ययं कुरु मे देवि वानरो5स्मि न राक्षस: । “उनके मित्र होनेके नाते सुग्रीव भी आपका कुशल-मंगल पूछते हैं। आपके स्वामी भगवान् श्रीराम सम्पूर्ण वानरोंकी सेनाके साथ शीघ्र यहाँ पधारेंगे। देवि! मेरा विश्वास कीजिये। मैं राक्षस नहीं, वानर हूँ”
pratyayaṁ kuru me devi vānaro'smi na rākṣasaḥ |
Markandeya said: “O goddess, place your trust in me. I am a vanara, not a rākṣasa. As your well-wisher and ally, Sugrīva too asks after your safety and welfare. Your lord, Bhagavān Śrī Rāma, will soon arrive here together with the entire army of vanaras. O देवी, believe me—my intent is truthful and protective, not deceptive.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharmic communication: when approaching someone fearful or vulnerable, one should speak truthfully, offer clear assurance, and identify oneself honestly to remove suspicion—trust is built through transparency and benevolent intent.
A messenger reassures a noble lady addressed as ‘Devī’ that he is a vanara ally, not a rākṣasa enemy, and conveys that Sugrīva sends greetings and that Śrī Rāma will soon arrive with the full vanara force.