Shloka 14
मायामृगप्रकरणम्
The Illusory Deer Episode: Ravana and Maricha at Rama’s Hermitage
स रावणवचश्श्रुत्वा मारीचो राक्षसस्तदा।मृगो भूत्वाऽश्रमद्वारि रामस्य विचचार ह।।3.42.14।।
sa rāvaṇavacaḥ śrutvā mārīco rākṣasas tadā |
mṛgo bhūtvāśramadvāri rāmasya vicacāra ha ||3.42.14||
Nang marinig ni Mārīca, ang rākṣasa, ang mga salita ni Rāvaṇa, siya’y naging usa at nagsimulang gumala sa may pintuan ng āśrama ni Rāma.
Hearing Ravana's words, Maricha transformed himself into a deer and started moving at the entrance of Rama's hermitage.
FAQs
The verse illustrates adharma through disguise and entrapment: using appearance to mislead others violates satya (truthfulness) and harms the innocent.
Mārīca transforms into a deer and positions himself at the hermitage entrance to lure Rāma (and especially Sītā) into pursuit.
Rāma’s protective role is indirectly invoked: the deception is designed to draw him away, underscoring how dharmic guardianship is tested by crafted illusions.