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 ||
‘ഹേ രാജകുമാരാ, ഈ മൃഗസത്തമനെപ്പോലെ ഒരു മൃഗത്തെ ഞാൻ മുമ്പൊരിക്കലും കണ്ടിട്ടില്ല—ഇത്ര തേജസ്സുള്ളതും, സ്വഭാവത്തിൽ ക്ഷമയുള്ളതും, കാന്തിയിൽ ദീപ്തവുമായത്.’
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.