Shloka 3.10.6
दशमः सर्गः — Rama’s Vow to Protect the Sages of Daṇḍaka (Dharma of Refuge)
काले काले च निरता नियमैर्विविधैर्वने।भक्ष्यन्ते राक्षसैर्भीमैर्नरमांसोपजीविभिः।।।।
kāle kāle ca niratā niyamair vividhair vane |
bhakṣyante rākṣasair bhīmair nara-māṃsopajīvibhiḥ ||
Though constantly engaged in varied disciplines and observances in the forest, they are being devoured by dreadful rākṣasas who live by human flesh.
The sages engrossed in various austerities in the forest have been victims to the dreadful demons living on human flesh.
Dharma condemns predation on the innocent; the verse frames rākṣasa violence as adharma that demands righteous intervention.
The sages explain that despite their disciplined life of niyamas, they are attacked and eaten by fearsome rākṣasas.
The sages’ perseverance in austerity and moral discipline, even under threat.