Shloka 12
मायामृगदर्शनम्
The Vision of the Illusory Deer
न चास्य सदृशो राजन्दृष्टपूर्वो मृगो मया।तेजसा क्षमया दीप्त्या यथाऽयं मृगसत्तमः।।।।
na cāsya sadṛśo rājan dṛṣṭa-pūrvo mṛgo mayā |
tejasā kṣamayā dīptyā yathā 'yaṃ mṛga-sattamaḥ ||
「王子よ、これほどの鹿を、わたしはかつて見たことがありません。鹿の中の最上なるもの――威光はかくも輝き、たたずまいはかくも柔らかく、光沢はかくも眩いのです。」
O prince ! this kind of beautiful, tame and glittering deer I have never seen before.
FAQs
The verse teaches the need for viveka (discernment): extraordinary appearances can be misleading. Dharma is protected not only by strength but by clear judgment.
Sītā expresses astonishment at the deer’s unprecedented beauty and gentleness, increasing her desire to possess it and setting up Rāma’s pursuit.
Sītā attributes “kṣamā” (gentleness/forbearance) to the deer—ironically projecting virtue onto a deceptive form, highlighting her innocence.