Shloka 2.116.17
तपस्विनाम् औत्सुक्यं राक्षसत्रासश्च (Ascetics’ Anxiety and the Fear of Rakshasas)
अपक्षिपन्ति स्रुग्भाण्डानग्नीस्निञ्चन्ति वारिणा।कलशांश्च प्रमध्नन्ति हवने समुपस्थिते।।2.116.17।।
apakṣipanti srugbhāṇḍān agnīn siñcanti vāriṇā |
kalaśāṁś ca pramadhnanti havane samupasthite ||2.116.17||
When the sacrifice is about to begin, they cast away the ladles and vessels of oblation, douse the sacred fire with water, and shatter the water-pots as well.
When sacrifices are about to start, they throw away the sacrificial ladels and vessels containing sacrificial materials and sprinkle water on sacrificial fire. They also break down the earthen vessels used in the sacrifice.
Dharma here includes protecting sacred rites and respecting ascetic life; the disruption of yajña is shown as adharma because it attacks both truth-based ritual order and the spiritual livelihood of sages.
The sages report that hostile beings sabotage their sacrificial preparations—casting away implements, extinguishing the fire, and breaking vessels—right as the rite is to begin.
The sages’ commitment to dharmic practice (yajña and tapas) is emphasized, along with the implied need for a kṣatriya protector like Rāma to uphold righteous order.