Shloka 3.2.12

Virādha-saṃvādaḥ — Encounter with Virādha in the Daṇḍakāraṇya (Aranya Kanda, Sarga 2)

Devanagari script

अहं वनमिदं दुर्गं विराधो नाम राक्षसः।चरामि सायुधो नित्यमृषिमांसानि भक्षयन्।।।।

Transliteration

ahaṃ vanam idaṃ durgaṃ virādho nāma rākṣasaḥ | carāmi sāyudho nityam ṛṣi-māṃsāni bhakṣayan ||

Translation

I am the rākṣasa named Virādha. I roam this dense, perilous forest always armed, feeding on the flesh of sages.

Context

I am a demon named Viradha. I move in this dense forest with my weapons eating the flesh of the sages.

Characters & Entities

• Virādha
• Rākṣasa
• ṛṣi (sages)
• vana (forest)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse defines adharma plainly: predation upon sages and disruption of tapas. It establishes why the righteous must intervene to protect spiritual life.

What is the narrative situation?

Virādha identifies himself and openly confesses his violent way of life in the forest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The need for protective righteousness—Rāma’s role as defender of ascetics is foregrounded by Virādha’s confession.