Asambhavam Hema Mrigasya Janma — Word-by-Word Meaning
असम्भवं हेममृगस्य जन्म
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
असम्भवम्
asambhavam
impossible, that which cannot be
हेममृगस्य
hemamṛgasya
of a golden deer
जन्म
janma
birth, existence, coming into being
तथापि
tathāpi
even so, nevertheless, yet
रामः
rāmaḥ
Rama (Sri Rama)
लुलुभे
lulubhe
was tempted, longed for, was allured
मृगाय
mṛgāya
for the deer, after the deer
प्रायः
prāyaḥ
generally, usually, for the most part
समापन्नविपत्तिकाले
samāpanna-vipatti-kāle
when calamity has drawn near, at the time of approaching misfortune
धियः
dhiyaḥ
intellects, minds, powers of judgment
अपि
api
even
पुंसाम्
puṁsām
of men, of human beings
मलिनी
malinī
clouded, sullied, impaired
भवन्ति
bhavanti
become, turn out to be
Complete Translation
The birth of a golden deer is impossible, and yet even Rama was tempted to chase the deer; truly, when calamity is about to befall, even the intellect of wise men becomes clouded. This famous verse explains how Sri Rama, lured by Maricha's golden deer, was drawn into the chain of events leading to Sita's abduction.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita drawn from the Ramayana tradition (golden deer episode, Aranya Kanda)
Author: Traditional (Subhashita reflecting on Valmiki Ramayana)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
In the Aranya Kanda of the Ramayana, the demon Maricha, at Ravana's command, assumed the form of a dazzling golden deer to entice Sita and Rama. Though a golden deer is by nature impossible, Sita was charmed and Rama set out to capture it, leaving Lakshmana to guard her — a chain of events that led to Sita's abduction. This verse distils the episode into a maxim on how approaching calamity clouds even the wisest judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Asambhavam Hema Mrigasya Janma mean?▼
It means 'the birth of a golden deer is impossible, yet Rama longed for it.' The verse reflects that when calamity is about to strike, even the intellect of wise men becomes clouded — as seen when Sri Rama was lured by the golden deer in the Ramayana.
Which episode of the Ramayana does this verse describe?▼
It refers to the episode in which the demon Maricha took the form of a beautiful golden deer to lure Sri Rama away from the hermitage, setting in motion the events that led to the abduction of Sita by Ravana.
What is the deeper teaching of this shloka?▼
That destiny can cloud the judgment of even the noblest and wisest. A golden deer is impossible, yet Rama pursued it — a reminder to remain discerning and humble, for impending misfortune can sway anyone's reason.
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