Shloka 1
मायामृगप्रकरणम्
The Illusory Deer Episode: Ravana and Maricha at Rama’s Hermitage
एवमुक्त्वा तु वचनं मारीचो रावणं ततः।गच्छावेत्यब्रवीद्दीनो भयाद्रात्रिंचरप्रभोः।।3.42.1।।
evam uktvā tu vacanaṃ mārīco rāvaṇaṃ tataḥ | gacchāveti abravīd dīno bhayād rātriṃcaraprabhoḥ ||
ਇਉਂ ਬਚਨ ਕਹਿ ਕੇ ਮਾਰੀਚ ਨੇ ਫਿਰ ਰਾਵਣ ਨੂੰ, ਰਾਤ੍ਰਿਚਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਤੋਂ ਡਰ ਕੇ ਦਿਨ ਹੋਇਆ ਕਿਹਾ: “ਆਓ, ਅਸੀਂ ਦੋਵੇਂ ਚੱਲੀਏ।”
Having thus spoken to the demon-king, the distressed Maricha said out of fear, Let both of us go.
FAQs
The verse highlights how fear and coercive power can suppress truthful counsel; dharma-based advice may be spoken, yet adharma can still proceed when authority is unchecked.
After warning Rāvaṇa, Mārīca, intimidated by him, yields and agrees to accompany him.
Mārīca’s earlier truth-speaking is contrasted with his present fear; the verse underscores the need for moral courage under pressure.