Shloka 2.116.14

तपस्विनाम् औत्सुक्यं राक्षसत्रासश्च (Ascetics’ Anxiety and the Fear of Rakshasas)

Devanagari script

दर्शयन्ति हि बीभत्सैः क्रूरैर्भीषणकैरपि।नानारूपैर्विरूपैश्च रूपैर्विकृतदर्शनैः।।2.116.14।।

Transliteration

darśayanti hi bībhatsaiḥ krūraiḥ bhīṣaṇakair api |

nānārūpair virūpaiś ca rūpair vikṛtadarśanaiḥ ||

Translation

They reveal themselves in many shapes—hideous, cruel, terrifying, deformed—forms that are repulsive to behold.

Context

They appear in various distorted forms now rapacious, now fearful, now deformed.

Characters & Entities

• rākṣasas
• tapasvins (ascetics)

FAQs

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

Dharma opposes intimidation—using terror and deception to break spiritual practice is portrayed as a violation demanding protection.

What is the narrative situation?

The ascetics describe the methods of harassment: rākṣasas frighten them by appearing in grotesque forms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance under fear—ascetics persist despite psychological terror, highlighting steadfastness in tapas.