Shloka 2.116.18

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

Devanagari script

तैर्दुरात्मभिरामृष्टानाश्रमान्प्रजिहासवः।गमनायान्यदेशस्य चोदयन्त्यृषयोऽद्य माम्।।2.116.18।।

Transliteration

tair durātmabhir āmṛṣṭān āśramān prajihāsavaḥ |

gamanāyānyadeśasya codayanty ṛṣayo ’dya mām ||2.116.18||

Translation

Now the sages, wishing to abandon the hermitages defiled by those wicked ones, are urging me today to depart for another region.

Context

Now all these sages are urging me to abandon this hermitage infested by these wicked rakshasas and move to another region.

Characters & Entities

• ṛṣayaḥ (sages)
• āśrama (hermitage)
• rakṣasas (implied by context: durātmāḥ)

FAQs

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

When dharmic life becomes impossible due to persistent adharma, withdrawal to preserve spiritual practice can be justified; the verse highlights safeguarding tapas and satya-based ritual life.

What is the narrative situation?

Because the hermitages are being defiled by wicked aggressors, the sages press their leader to relocate to a safer region.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and responsibility: the sages prioritize the continuity of sacred duties over attachment to a particular place.