Shloka 2.116.15

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

Devanagari script

अप्रशस्तैशुचिभिस्सम्प्रयोज्य च तापसान्।प्रतिध्नन्त्यपरान्क्षिप्रमनार्याः पुरतः स्थिताः।।2.116.15।।

Transliteration

apraśastaiḥ aśucibhiḥ samprayojya ca tāpasān |

pratighnanty aparān kṣipram anāryāḥ purataḥ sthitāḥ ||

Translation

Standing right before them, those ignoble ones use forbidden and impure means against the ascetics—and then quickly strike down others as well.

Context

Those wicked rakshasas employ forbidden and dirty means against ascetics and kill them by suddenly appearing in front of them.

Characters & Entities

• rākṣasas (anāryāḥ implied)
• tapasvins (ascetics)

FAQs

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

Purity and non-violence are dharmic standards; violating them through deceitful, impure tactics and murder is a clear mark of adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The ascetics explain that rākṣasas not only frighten them but also attack and kill using impure, forbidden methods.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment—identifying adharma precisely so righteous protection can be justified and targeted.