Shloka 5
अध्याय १२८: शिव–उमा संवादः — तिलोत्तमा, श्मशान-मेध्यता, तथा चातुर्वर्ण्य-धर्मः
Chapter 128: Śiva–Umā Dialogue—Tilottamā, the Ritual Valence of the Śmaśāna, and the Fourfold Duty-Code
वश्िद् वाग्बुद्धिसम्पन्नो ब्राह्मणो विजने वने । गृहीत: कृच्छूमापन्नो रक्षसा भक्षयिष्यता,एक बुद्धिमान् एवं वाचाल ब्राह्मण किसी निर्जन वनमें घूम रहा था। उसी समय किसी राक्षएने आकर उसे खानेकी इच्छासे पकड़ लिया। बेचारा ब्राह्मण बड़े कष्टमें पड़ गया
vāg-buddhi-sampanno brāhmaṇo vijane vane | gṛhītaḥ kṛcchram āpanno rakṣasā bhakṣayiṣyatā ||
Bhīṣma sprach: Ein Brahmane, reich an beredter Rede und scharfem Verstand, wanderte in einem einsamen Wald umher. Da packte ihn ein menschenfressender Rākṣasa, entschlossen, ihn zu verschlingen. Der Brahmane, gefangen und wehrlos, geriet in schwerste Not.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the ethical theme that presence of mind, learning, and disciplined speech are not merely ornaments but practical instruments for preserving life and dharma when confronted by brute force. It prepares for a lesson where intellect and right counsel become the means of protection in crisis.
A learned and eloquent Brahmin is wandering alone in a forest when a rākṣasa captures him with the intention of eating him. The Brahmin becomes distressed, and the episode is poised to develop into a dialogue or stratagem for escape.