Introduction

Ravana rebuts Maareecha for giving an unasked advice and details his plan to abduct Seetha. Ravana intimidates Maareecha that he himself will kill Maareecha immediately if his orders are disobeyed, and Maareecha may perhaps have no opportunity to die at the hands of Rama.

Verse 1

मारीचस्य तु तत् वाक्यम् क्षमम् युक्तम् च रावणः |
उक्तो न प्रतिजग्राह मर्तु काम इव औषधम् || ३-४०-१

When Maareecha spoke those acceptable and equitable words, Ravana rejected them like a person with a death wish rejects medicament. [3-40-1]

1. uktaH raavaNaH = he who is spoken thus, Ravana; maariicasya tu kSamam yuktam ca = Maareecha’s, but, acceptable, equitable, also; tat vaakyam = that, sentence; martu kaama auSadham iva = to die, one desiring to, medicament, as with; na pratijagraaha = not, received – Ravana rejected.

Verse 2

तम् पथ्य हित वक्तारम् मारीचम् राक्षसाधिपः |
अब्रवीत् परुषम् वाक्यम् अयुक्तम् काल चोदितः || ३-४०-२

Ushered by the Terminator the king of demons Ravana, uncouthly spoke these unbefitting words to Maareecha who had been speaking conducive and beneficial words of advise. [3-40-2]

2. raakSasa adhipaH = demons, king; kaala coditaH = by Time [the Terminator,] ushered; pathya hita vaktaaram = doing good – conducive, beneficial, who is speaking; tam maariicam = to him, to that Maareecha; a yuktam = unbefitting; paruSam vaakyam abraviit = uncouthly, words, spoke.

Verse 3

यत् किल एतत् अयुक्तार्थम् मारीच मयि कथ्यते |
वाक्यम् निष्फलम् अत्यर्थम् बीजम् उप्तम् इव ऊषरे || ३-४०-३

“All these meaningless words that are being said to me are decidedly worthless, in effect, like the seeds seeded in wastelands. [3-40-3]

3. maariica = oh, Maareecha; a yukta artham = without, having, meaning – meaningless words; yat = that which; etat vaakyam = all these, sentence – advisory words; mayi = in me [to me]; kathyate = being said; that; uuSare uptam biijam iva = in wasteland, seeded, seed, like; ati artham = very, much – decidedly; niS phalam = without, fruit – worthless; kila = in effect.

Verse 4

त्वत् वाक्यैः न तु माम् शक्यम् – भेतुम् – भेत्तुम् रामस्य संयुगे |
पाप शीलस्य मूर्खस्य मानुषस्य विशेषतः || ३-४०-४

“But it is impossible to scare me away from a war with that iniquitous and imprudent Rama, that too, from a human being, with these words of yours. [3-40-4]

4. tvat vaakyaiH = by your, words; paapa shiilasya = evil, in character – an iniquitous one; muurkhasya = imprudent one; visheSataH maanuSasya = especially, human; raamasya = from such a Rama; maam samyuge bhetum [bhettum] = me, from a war, to scare; na shakyam = not, possible.

Verse 5

यः त्यक्त्वा सुहृदो राज्यम् मातरम् पितरम् तथा |
स्त्री वाक्यम् प्राकृतम् श्रुत्वा वनम् एक पदे गतः || ३-४०-५

“He who bolted off to forest in a single-foot on hearing the artless words of a woman, forfeiting his kingdom, friends and relatives, and even his mother, likewise his father too, you cannot scare me away from such a Rama. [3-40-5]

5. yaH = who is – which Rama is; praakR^itam strii vaakyam shrutvaa = artless, woman’s, word, on hearing; su hR^idaH = good, hearted – friends and relatives; raajyam = kingdom; maataram = mother; tathaa = likewise; pitaram = father; tyaktvaa = on leaving; eka pade = in single, foot – trotted, loped; vanam gataH = forest, went to – bolted off; ellip. maama bhetum nashakyaa = you cannot scare me away from such a Rama.

Verse 6

अवश्यम् तु मया तस्य संयुगे खर घातिनः |
प्राणैः प्रियतरा सीता हर्तव्या तव संनिधौ || ३-४०-६

“But his wife Seetha who is dearer to him more than his lives is certainly seizable by me in association with you, as that Rama had purposelessly killed Khara in a war. [3-40-6]

6. samyuge khara ghaatinaH = in war, Khara, killer of; tasya praaNaiH priya taraa siitaa = than his, by lives, dear, more, Seetha; tava sannidhau = in your, presence – with your help; avashyam mayaa hartavyaa = certainly, by me, is to be stolen – seizable.

Verse 7

एवम् मे निश्चिता बुद्धिः हृदि मारीच विद्यते |
न व्यावर्तयितुम् शक्या स इन्द्रैः अपि सुर असुरैः || ३-४०-७

“In this way my thinking is decided and it is lingering on in my heart, and it is impossible to roll back my mind or heart even for Indra coming along with gods and demons. [3-40-7]

7. maariica = oh, Maareecha; me buddhiH evam nishcitaa = my, thinking, in this way, is decided; and; hR^idi vidyate [vartate] = in heart, obtains [lingering on] sa indraiH sura asuraiH api = with, Indra, by gods, by demons, even; vyaavartayitum = to revolute, to roll back; na shakyaa = not, possible.

Verse 8

दोषम् गुणम् वा संपृष्टः त्वम् एवम् वक्तुम् अर्हसि |
अपायम् वा अपि उपायम् वा कार्यस्य अस्य विनिश्चये || ३-४०-८

“If you are asked about the credits or discredits, or either of the danger or ideation of the deed for determining its modus operandi, it will be apt of you to talk like this, but I did not seek any viewpoints of yours. [3-40-8]

8. asya kaaryasya vinishcaye = of that, deed’s, in determining; doSam guNam vaa = discredit, credit, or; apaayam vaa api = danger, either, or; upaayam vaa = ideation, or; sampR^iSTaH = if [you are] asked; tvam evam vaktum arhasi = you, this way, to talk, apt of you.

Verse 9

संपृष्टेन तु वक्तव्यम् सचिवेन विपश्चिता |
उद्यत अंजलिना राज्ञे य इच्छेत् भूतिम् आत्मनः || ३-४०-९

“Even if someone is asked, and if he desires his own welfare, then he has to submit his opinion to the king suppliantly upraising his palm-fold, may he be an intellectual, or an astute adviser. [3-40-9]

9. yaH = he who; aatmanaH bhuutim icChet = his own, welfare, if desires; such a one; sampR^iSTena = someone who is asked; vipashcitaa = by an intellectual; sacivena = by an adviser; udyata anjalinaa = with upraised, folded palms; raaj~ne [raaj~naH] = to king; vaktavyam = is liable to speak.

Verse 10

वाक्यम् अप्रतिकूलम् तु मृदु पूर्वम् शुभम् हितम् |
उपचारेण युक्तम् च वक्तव्यो वसुधा अधिपः || ३-४०-१०

“The king being lord of the land is to be addressed preceded with gentility, with auspicious and beneficial words that do not contradict the interests of that lord, more so, they shall be inclusive of etiquette. [3-40-10]

10. vasudhaa adhipaH = a land, lord of – a king; a prati kuulam = not, going against – contradictory; mR^idu puurvam = gentility, preceding; hitam = beneficial; shubham = favourable; upacaareNa yuktam ca = etiquette, inclusive of, also; vaakyam = with such a – sentence; vaktavyaH = is to be addressed.

Verse 11

स अवमर्दम् तु यत् वाक्यम् अथवा मारीच हितम् उच्यते |
न अभिनंदति तत् राजा मानार्थी मान वर्जितम् || ३-४०-११

“Or else, oh, Maareecha, even if a beneficial word is said, but if it is said with reprehension it will not gladden that king who insists upon honour, for that said word is dishonourable, let alone reprehension. [3-40-11]

11. maariica = oh, Maareecha; athavaa = or else; maana varjitam = honour, devoid of – dishonourable words; yat hitam vaakyam tu = which, beneficial, advise, but; sa ava mardam = with, down, letting – with reprehension; ucyate = will be said so; tat = that advise; maana arthii [or, maanaarhaH] = honour, insists upon [honourable]; raajaa = king; na abhi nandati = not, towards [him,] gladdens.

Verse 12

पंच रूपाणि राजानो धारयन्ति अमित ओजसः |
अग्नेः इन्द्रस्य सोमस्य यमस्य वरुणस्य च || ३-४०-१२

“The kings with infinite vigour embody five constituents forces of Fire, Moon, Rain, Terminator, and that of Indra, the Administrator of Natural Forces. [3-40-12]

12. a mita ojasaH = not, limited in vigour – with infinite, vigour; raajaanaH = kings; agneH indrasya somasya yamasya varuNasya ca = of Fire, Indra [the Administrator of Natural Forces,] Moon, Terminator, Rain, also; panca ruupaaNi dhaarayanti = five, aspects – constituent forces, he bear – he embodies.

Verse 13 & 14a

औष्ण्यम् तथा विक्रमम् च सौम्यम् दण्डम् प्रसन्नताम् |
धारयन्ति महाताम्नो राजानः क्षणदाचर || ३-४०-१३
तस्मात् सर्वासु अवस्थासु मान्याः पूज्याः च पार्थिवाः |

“Oh, nightwalker, thus the kings being great-souls personify the sultriness of Fire, sternness of Indra, softness of Moon, suppleness of Rain, and harshness of Terminator, and therefore in all situations they are respectable and reverential. [3-40-13, 14a]

13, 14a. kshaNadaa cara = oh, night, walker Maareecha; mahaataamnaH raajaanaH = great-souls, kings; auSNyam = sultriness; tathaa = likewise; vikramam ca = sternness, also; saumyam daNDam prasannataam = softness, harshness, suppleness; dhaarayanti = they are bearing – they personify; tasmaat paarthivaaH = therefore, kings; sarvaasu avasthaasu = in all, situations; maanyaaH puujyaaH ca = are respectable, reverential, also.

Verse 14b & 15a

त्वम् तु धर्मम् अविज्ञाय केवलम् मोहम् आश्रितः || ३-४०-१४
अभ्यागतम् माम् दौरात्म्यात् परुषम् वदसि ईदृशम् |

“But you are ill-advisedly babbling with me in this way, incognizant of rectitude and holding on to your obsession, and wishing ill of me, as I am on your doorstep. [3-40-14b, 15a]

14b, 15a. tvam tu = you, on your part; dharmam a vij~naaya = rectitude, not, knowing – incognizant of; kevalam moham aashritaH = only, your obsession, holding on to; abhi aagatam maam = to your near, who came, with me; daur aatmyaat = with ill, wishing; iidR^isham paruSam vadasi = this way, ill-advisedly, you are babbling.

Verse 15

गुण दोषौ न पृच्छामि क्षमम् च आत्मनि राक्षस || ३-४०-१५
मया उक्तम् अपि च एतावत् त्वाम् प्रति अमितविक्रम |

“Oh, demon, I did not ask the rights and wrongs concerning me, nor that which is expedient for me, but oh, demon of untold bravery, I have said this much to you. [3-40-15]

15. raakSasa = oh, demon; guNa doSau = rights, wrongs; aatmani = for me; [yat = which is]; kSamam ca = expedient, also; na pR^icChaami = not, I asked; a mita vikrama = oh, one with not, limited, brave – oh, Maareecha untold bravery; tvaam prati = you, addressing [samprati = presently]; etaavat = this much; mayaa uktam api ca = by me, said, but, also.

Verse 16

अस्मिन् तु स भवान् कृत्ये साहाय्यम् कर्तुम् अर्हसि || ३-४०-१६
श्रुणु तत् कर्म साहाय्ये यत् कार्यम् वचनात् मम |

” ‘It will be apt of you to proffer a helping hand in this deed.’ This much I said to you. And such as you are you may now listen to that task which you have to undertake during the course of your assistance as I detail it to you. [3-40-16]

16. asmin tu kR^itye = in this, but, deed; [tvam = you]; saahaayyam kartum arhasi = helping hand, to proffer, apt of you; mama vacanaat = my, from words – as I say; sa bhavaan = such as you are, you; saahaayye = in such assistance; yat kaaryam = which, is to be done; tat karma shruNu = that, task, you listen.

Verse 17 & 18

सौवर्णः त्वम् मृगो भूत्वा चित्रो रजत बिन्दुभिः || ३-४०-१७
आश्रमे तस्य रामस्य सीतायाः प्रमुखे चर |
प्रलोभयित्वा वैदेहीम् यथा इष्टम् गन्तुम् अर्हसि || ३-४०-१८

“On becoming an amazing silver-potted golden deer you move in front of Seetha in the hermitage of Rama, and on verily alluring Vaidehi you can go away as you like. [3-40-17, 18 ]

17. tvam = you; rajata bindubhiH = with silver, spots; citraH sauvarNaH mR^igaH bhuutvaa = amazing, golden, deer, on becoming; tasya raamasya aashrame = in that one, Rama’s, in hermitage; siitaayaaH pra mukhe cara = in Seetha’s, fore, front forefront, you move; vaidehiim pra lobhayitvaa = Vaidehi, on verily, alluring; yathaa iSTam gantum arhasi = as, you like, to go away, apt of you.

Verse 19

त्वाम् हि माया मयम् दृष्ट्वा कांचनम् जात विस्मया |
आनय एनम् इति क्षिप्रम् रामम् वक्ष्यति मैथिली || ३-४०-१९

“On seeing you as a wholly illusory golden deer curiosity arises in Vaidehi, and indeed she tells Rama, ‘bring that one quickly.’ [3-40-19]

19. maithilii = Maithili; kaancanam [mR^igam ] = golden [deer]; maayaa mayam = illusory, wholly; tvaam dR^iSTvaa = you, on seeing; jaata vismayaa = with arisen, curiosity; enam kSipram aanaya = this one, quickly, be brought; iti = thus; raamam vakSyati hi = to Rama, tells, indeed.

Verse 20

अपक्रान्ते च काकुत्स्थे दूरम् च यात्वा अपि उदाहर |
हा सीते लक्ष्मणे इति एवम् राम वाक्य अनुरूपकम् || ३-४०-२०

“Further, on Rama’s coming out of his hermitage you go distantly and blurt out in this way, ‘ha Seetha’ and even as, ‘ha, Lakshmana,’ mimicking Rama’s voice. [3-40-20]

20. kaakutsthe apa kraante ca = Kakutstha, out, coming, further; [tvam = you]; duuram yaatvaa ca = distantly, having gone, also; raama vaakya anu ruupakam = Rama’s, words [voice,] following, in model [mimicking]; haa siite lakshmaNe = ha, Seetha, ha, Lakshmana; iti evam thus, in that way; udaahara api = express – you blurt out even.

Verse 21

तत् श्रुत्वा राम पदवीम् सीताया च प्रचोदितः |
अनुगच्छति संभ्रांतम् सौमित्रिः अपि सौहृदात् || ३-४०-२१

“On hearing that, and further hastened by Seetha, even Soumitri apprehensively follows the path of Rama in all his fondness for Rama. [3-40-21]

21. saumitriH api = Soumitri, even; tat shrutvaa = that, on hearing; siitaayaa ca pra coditaH = = by Seetha, further, well, hastened; sambhraantam = apprehensively; sauhR^idaat = due to fondness towards Rama; raama padaviim = on Rama’s, path; anugacChati = follows.

Verse 22

अपक्रान्ते च काकुत्स्थे लक्ष्मण च यथा सुखम् |
आहरिष्यामि वैदेहीम् सहस्राक्षः शचीम् इव || ३-४०-२२

“When Rama is diverted from hermitage, Lakshmana as well, I will carry off Vaidehi effortlessly like the Thousand-eyed Indra who once carried off Sachi Devi. [3-40-22]

22. kaakutsthe = Rama; lakshmaNa ca = Lakshmana, as well; apa kraante = when sidetracked; vaidehiim = Vaidehi; sahasra akSaH shaciim iva = thousand, eyed one [Indra,] Sachi, like; yathaa sukham aahariSyaami = as per, convenience – effortlessly, I carry off.

Verse 23

एवम् कृत्वा तु इदम् कार्यम् यथा इष्टम् गच्छ राक्षस |
राज्यस्य अर्धम् प्रदास्यामि मारीच तव सुव्रत || ३-४०-२३

“Oh, demon, on carrying out this stint in this manner you may go as you like, and to you oh, Maareecha with solemn vows, I will grant half of my kingdom. [3-40-23]

23. raakSasa = oh, demon; idam kaaryam evam kR^itvaa = this, stint, in this manner, on carrying out; yathaa iSTam gacCha = as, you like, you go; su vrata = oh, one with solemnly, avowed one; maariica = oh, Maareecha; tava = to you; raajyasya ardham pradaasyaami = kingdom’s, half, I grant.

Verse 24

गच्छ सौम्य शिवम् मार्गम् कार्यस्य अस्य विवृद्धये |
अहम् तु अनुगमिष्यामि स रथो दण्डका वनम् || ३-४०-२४

“Hence, oh, gentle one, get going on a trouble-free path for the easy achievement of the task, and I for myself will follow you to Dandaka forest along with the chariot. [3-40-24]

24. saumya = oh, gentle one; asya kaaryasya vi vR^iddhaye = for this, for task’s, verily, for progressing – for easy achievement; shivam maargam gacCha = ontrouble-free, path, you get going; aham tu = I, for my part; sa rathaH daNDakaa vanam anugamiSyaami = with, chariot, to Dandaka, forest, I wish to follow.

Verse 25

प्राप्य सीताम् अयुद्धेन वंचयित्वा तु राघवम् |
लंकाम् प्रति गमिष्यामि कृत कार्यः सह त्वया || ३-४०-२५

“My goal will be achieved just by misleading Raghava, and by gaining Seetha without a conflict, then I will proceed to Lanka along with you. [3-40-25]

25. raaghavam vancayitvaa tu = Raghava, on misleading, but; siitaam a yuddhena praapya = Seetha, without, conflict, on gaining; kR^ita kaaryaH = on gaining, task – my goal; tvayaa saha = you, along with; lankaam prati gamiSyaami = Lanka, towards, I will proceed.

Verse 26

नो चेत् करोषि मारीच हन्मि त्वाम् अहम् अद्य वै |
एतत् कार्यम् अवश्यम् मे बलाद् अपि करिष्यसि |
राज्ञो हि प्रतिकूलस्थो न जातु सुखम् एधते || ३-४०-२६

“If you are not going to do so, oh, Maareecha, for sure I will kill you now itself. I will get my work done through you even under duress, and indeed, any subject setting against his king will never succeed safely. [3-40-26]

26. maariica = oh, Maareecha; na karoSi cet = not, going to do, if; tvaam aham adya vai hanmi = you, I, now itself, truly, I kill; me etat kaaryam = mine, this, work; balaat api avashyam kariSyasi = by duress, even, certainly, you undertake – I will get it done; raaj~naH prati kuula sthaH = to king, indeed, opposite, staying – subjects that set against; jaatu = never; sukham na edhate hi = safely, not, succeeds, indeed.

Verse 27

आसाद्या तम् जीवित संशयः ते
मृत्युर् ध्रुवो हि अद्य मया विरुध्यतः |
एतत् यथावत् परिगृह्य बुद्ध्या
यत् अत्र पथ्यम् कुरु तत् तथा त्वम् || ३-४०-२७

“Your life may be indefinite on reaching Rama, but your death is surely definite now as you are conflicting with me. Hence, keeping all this in view you come to a conclusion that would be conducive to your interests, and whatever desirable to you let it be done in that way. ” Thus Ravana spoke to Maareecha. [3-40-27]

27. tam = him – Rama; aasaadyaa = on getting at; te jiivita samshayaH = your, life, will be indefinite; mayaa virudhyataH = with me, conflicting; adya mR^ityuH dhruvaH hi = now, death, is definite, surely; etat buddhyaa = all this, keeping in view; yathaavat parigR^ihya = as befitting – conducive, receiving – understanding, conclusion; atra = in this issue; yat pathyam = what is, desirable; tat tvam tathaa kuru = that, you, that way, do.