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
vāg-buddhi-sampanno brāhmaṇo vijane vane | gṛhītaḥ kṛcchram āpanno rakṣasā bhakṣayiṣyatā ||
Bhishma said: A Brahmin, endowed with eloquent speech and keen intelligence, was wandering in a lonely forest. Just then a man-eating rākṣasa seized him, intending to devour him. The Brahmin, caught and helpless, fell into severe distress—setting the stage for a test of presence of mind, right conduct, and the saving power of wise speech in the face of violence.
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.