Shloka 2.119.3

अनसूयाप्रीतिदानम् — Anasūyā’s Blessing and the Forest Path

Devanagari script

रविरस्तङ्गतश्श्रीमानुपोह्य रजनीं शिवाम्।।।।दिवसं प्रतिकीर्णानामाहारार्थं पतत्रिणाम्।सन्ध्याकाले निलीनानां निद्रार्थं श्रूयते ध्वनिः।।।।

Transliteration

rakṣāṃsi puruṣādāni nānārūpāṇi rāghava |

vasanty asmin mahāraṇye vyālāś ca rudhirāśanāḥ ||

Translation

O Rāghava, in this great forest dwell man-eating rākṣasas of many forms, and wild beasts as well—blood-devouring predators.

Context

The resplendent Sun has set. The auspcious night is drawing near. The birds who forage far and wide for food during the day return to their nests to rest for the night. You can hear them twittering.

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rama)
• Mahāraṇya (great forest)
• Rākṣasas (rakṣāṃsi)
• Vyālas (wild beasts)

FAQs

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

Speaking truthfully about danger (satya) is itself dharma, especially when it helps protect the innocent and supports a righteous mission.

What is the narrative situation?

Ascetics inform Rama about the lethal threats in the forest—shape-shifting rākṣasas and predatory animals.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The ascetics’ responsibility and candor: they warn without exaggeration, enabling rightful protection and prudent action.