Shloka 3.6.18

षष्ठस्सर्गः — तपस्विरक्षणे राजधर्मोपदेशः (Sarga 6: The Sages’ Appeal and Instruction on Royal Duty)

Devanagari script

एवं वयं न मृष्यामो विप्रकारं तपस्विनाम्।क्रियमाणं वने घोरं रक्षोभिर्भीमकर्मभिः।।।।

Transliteration

evaṃ vayaṃ na mṛṣyāmo viprakāraṃ tapasvinām | kriyamāṇaṃ vane ghoraṃ rakṣobhir bhīmakarmabhiḥ ||

Translation

In such a plight, we ascetics cannot endure this grievous outrage—this dreadful wrong being done in the forest by rākṣasas of terrifying deeds.

Context

We ascetics are not able to tolerate the fearful deeds perpetrated by the dreadful demons in the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Rākṣasas
• Forest (Araṇya)

FAQs

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

It condemns adharma as ‘viprakāra’—harm against the righteous—and implies the duty of society and rulers to prevent oppression of those practicing tapas and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

The ascetics explain why they have approached Rāma: rākṣasas are committing horrific acts in the forest, disrupting ascetic life.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity and steadfastness: the sages name injustice plainly and seek rightful remedy rather than retaliating from anger.