Shloka 1
अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — मारीचोपदेशः
Maricha’s Warning and the Memory of Rama’s Power
कदाचिदप्यहं वीर्यात्पर्यटन्पृथिवीमिमाम्।बलं नागसहस्रस्य धारयन्पर्वतोपमः।।3.38.1।।नीलजीमूतसङ्काशस्तप्तकाञ्चनकुण्डलः।भयं लोकस्य जनयन्किरीटी परिघायुधः।।3.38.2।।व्यचरं दण्डकारण्ये ऋषिमांसानि भक्षयन्।
kadācid api ahaṁ vīryāt paryaṭan pṛthivīm imām |
balaṁ nāga-sahasrasya dhārayan parvatopamaḥ || 3.38.1 ||
nīla-jīmūta-saṅkāśas tapta-kāñcana-kuṇḍalaḥ |
bhayaṁ lokasya janayan kirīṭī parighāyudhaḥ || 3.38.2 ||
Pernah suatu ketika, didorong oleh keperkasaan kasar diriku, aku mengembara di bumi ini—tegak laksana gunung, memikul kekuatan seribu gajah. Gelap seperti awan hujan, berantingkan subang emas berkilau, bermahkota, bersenjata di tangan, aku menimbulkan ketakutan dalam kalangan manusia.
Once I was roaming the earth, like a mountain possessing the strength of a thousand elephants, like a dark cloud, wearing bright gold ear-rings and crown,holding a spear in hand, terrorising the people. I was wandering in Dandaka forest feeding on the flesh of ascetics.
FAQs
Power without restraint becomes adharma: the verse frames fear-making and prideful strength as a moral warning, preparing the contrast with righteous heroism later.
Mārīca describes his former life as a terrifying wanderer, emphasizing his might and the fear he inspired.
By contrast (through negative portrayal), the virtue highlighted is self-control: true strength in the Ramayana is strength governed by dharma, not intimidation.