Shloka 32
Sāvitrī–Satyavān Vivāha: Kanyāpradāna and Āśrama-Śīla (सावित्री-सत्यवान्विवाहः)
अभव्यो भव्यरूपेण भस्मच्छन्न इवानल: । यतिवेषप्रतिच्छन्नो जिहीर्षुस्तामनिन्दिताम्,इसी समय अवसर पाकर राक्षस रावण साध्वी सीताको हर ले जानेकी इच्छासे वहाँ दिखायी दिया। वह भयानक निशाचर सुन्दर रूप धारण करके राखमें छिपी हुई आगके समान संन्यासीके वेषमें अपने यथार्थ रूपको छिपाये हुए था
abhavyo bhavyarūpeṇa bhasmacchanna ivānalaḥ | yativeṣapraticchanno jihīrṣus tām aninditām ||
Wika ni Mārkaṇḍeya: “Bagaman di-karapat-dapat at masama ang kalooban, nagpakita siya sa anyong kaaya-aya—gaya ng apoy na natatakpan ng abo. Itinago niya ang tunay na pagkatao sa kasuutan ng isang asetiko, at dumating na may hangaring dukutin ang babaeng walang dungis.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that outward appearance can mask inner wrongdoing: adharma often approaches in a convincing, even pious disguise. Ethical discernment requires judging by intent and conduct, not merely by dress or pleasant form.
Mārkaṇḍeya describes Rāvaṇa’s approach to Sītā: he appears at the right moment, hiding his true nature by taking on the guise of a renunciant, intent on abducting the blameless Sītā—like fire concealed under ashes.