Shloka 2.116.16

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

Devanagari script

तेषु तेष्वाश्रमस्थानेष्वबुद्धमवलीय च।रमन्ते तापसां स्तत्र नाशयन्तोऽल्पचेतसः।।2.116.16।।

Transliteration

tēṣu tēṣv āśramasthānēṣv abuddham avalīya ca |

ramantē tāpasāṃs tatra nāśayanto 'lpacētasaḥ ||

Translation

Those small-minded ones hide unseen in this or that hermitage-site, and take delight there in destroying the ascetics.

Context

These debased rakshasas, concealing themselves in various ashram sites takedelight in harassing and killing the ascetics.

Characters & Entities

• āśrama-sthāna (hermitage sites)
• tapasvins (ascetics)
• rākṣasas (implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma defends sacred spaces—turning hermitages into hunting grounds is shown as grave adharma that calls for restoration of safety and order.

What is the narrative situation?

The ascetics describe the rākṣasas’ stealth: they conceal themselves around hermitages and destroy ascetics for sport.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to the sanctity of tapas—by reporting these acts, the ascetics seek dharmic protection for spiritual practice.