Shloka 2.116.4

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

Devanagari script

तेषामौत्सुक्यमालक्ष्य रामस्त्वात्मनि शङ्कितः।कृताञ्जलिरुवाचेदमृषिं कुलपतिं ततः।।2.116.4।।

Transliteration

na kaccid bhagavan kiñcit pūrvavṛttam idaṃ mayi | dṛśyate vikṛtaṃ yena vikriyante tapasvinaḥ || 2.116.5 ||

Translation

“Revered sir, do you see any deviation in my former conduct—anything altered in me—by which these ascetics have become disturbed?”

Context

Having observed their anxiety, Rama apprehending somethig in his mind approached the chief of the hermitage with folded palms and said:

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• kulapati (sage)
• tapasvins/ṛṣis (ascetics)

FAQs

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

Dharma is grounded in honest self-audit: Rāma seeks truth about himself first, asking whether his behavior caused harm or fear to the righteous.

What is the narrative situation?

After noticing the sages’ suspicious behavior, Rāma questions the hermitage-chief to learn whether he has unknowingly committed any impropriety.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s satya-oriented humility—he prioritizes truth and correction over defensiveness.