Shloka 2.116.3

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

Devanagari script

नयनैर्ब्रुकुटीभिश्च रामं निर्दिश्य शङ्किताः।अन्योन्यमुपजल्पन्त श्शनैश्चक्रुर्मिथः कथाः।।2.116.3।।

Transliteration

teṣām autsukyam ālakṣya rāmas tv ātmani śaṅkitaḥ | kṛtāñjalir uvācedam ṛṣiṃ kulapatiṃ tataḥ || 2.116.4 ||

Translation

Seeing their anxious agitation, Rāma grew concerned within himself; then, with palms joined in reverence, he addressed the sage who was the hermitage-chief.

Context

Those sages, glancing at Rama with suspicious eyes, knitting their eye-brows and murmering among themselves, conversed secretly.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• kulapati (hermitage-chief)
• ṛṣi (sage)
• tapasvins (ascetics)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is expressed as humility and reverence: even a prince like Rāma approaches spiritual elders respectfully and seeks clarification rather than reacting with pride.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma observes the sages’ unease and decides to ask the hermitage-chief directly, approaching with proper respect.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s vinaya (humility) and self-scrutiny—he assumes responsibility and seeks to understand if any fault has arisen.