Shloka 3.1.3
तापसाश्रममण्डलदर्शनम् (Entering Dandaka and Meeting the Sages)
शरण्यं सर्वभूतानां सुसम्मृष्टाजिरं सदा।मृगैर्बहुभिराकीर्णं पक्षिसङ्घैस्समावृतम्।।।।
phalamūlāśanair dāntaiś cīra-kṛṣṇājināmbaraiḥ |
sūrya-vaiśvānarābhaiś ca purāṇair munibhir vṛtam ||
It was surrounded by aged sages—self-restrained, living on fruits and roots, clad in bark and black antelope-skins—radiant like the sun and like fire.
The courtyards (of the hermitages) were clean-swept, sprinkled with water and decorated. They provided shelter to all kinds of creatures and were filled all over with flocks of birds and antelopes.
Dharma is embodied in tapas and restraint: the sages’ truth-disciplined lives (simple food, simple clothing, self-control) generate a moral radiance compared to sun and fire.
The description culminates by portraying the residents themselves—the venerable munis—as the living sanctity of the hermitage.
Self-mastery (dama) and austerity (tapas) are emphasized, presenting ascetic integrity as a source of spiritual ‘light’.