Shloka 2.116.7

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

Devanagari script

कच्चिच्छुश्रूषमाणा व श्शुश्रूषणपरा मयि।प्रमदाऽभ्युचितां वृत्तिं सीता युक्तं न वर्तते।।2.116.7।।

Transliteration

atha ṛṣir jarayā vṛddhas tapasā ca jarāṃ gataḥ | vepamāna ivovāca rāmaṃ bhūtadayāparam || 2.116.8 ||

Translation

Then an ascetic—aged by years and worn by austerity—spoke, as if trembling, to Rāma, who is deeply compassionate to all beings.

Context

Has Sita devoted in her service to me and engaged in serving you failed to follow the conduct befitting a woman?

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• ṛṣi (aged ascetic)
• bhūtas (beings/creatures)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed through compassion and respectful speech: the elder ascetic addresses Rāma recognizing his universal kindness, setting a truthful and gentle tone for counsel.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma’s questions, an elderly sage prepares to respond, physically frail yet authoritative through tapas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s bhūta-dayā (compassion to all beings), acknowledged as a defining trait.