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 ||
“王子啊，我从未见过与此相似的鹿——鹿中至胜者：光辉如此灿然，性情如此温柔，神采如此明耀。”
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.