Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 116, Shloka 10
तपस्विनाम् औत्सुक्यं राक्षसत्रासश्च
Ascetics’ Anxiety and the Fear of Rakshasas
त्वन्निमित्तमिदं तावत्तापसान्प्रतिवर्तते।रक्षोभ्यस्तेन संविग्नाः कथयन्ति मिथः कथाः।।2.116.10।।
tvannimittam idaṃ tāvat tāpasān prativartate |
rakṣobhyaḥ tena saṃvignāḥ kathayanti mithaḥ kathāḥ ||
This fear has arisen among the ascetics because of you—due to the rākṣasas; alarmed by that, they speak among themselves about what may follow.
There is apprehension for ascetics from the demons on acount of your presence here. That is why they are conversing with one another about the likely fall-out.
FAQs
Truthful counsel given for protection—speaking frankly to prevent harm is a form of dharma (हितवचन).
An ascetic explains to Rāma that the hermits’ anxiety is linked to rākṣasa hostility triggered by Rāma’s presence.
Responsible speech and communal concern—the ascetics prioritize the safety of the hermitage community.