Shloka 2.64.25

शब्दवेध्य-अनर्थः, ऋषिशापः, दशरथस्य प्राणत्यागः (The Sound-Target Tragedy, the Sage’s Curse, and Dasaratha’s Death)

Devanagari script

सप्तधा तु फलेन्मूर्धा मुनौ तपसि तिष्ठति।ज्ञानाद्विसृजतश्शस्त्रं तादृशे ब्रह्मावादिनि।।।।

Transliteration

saptadhā tu phalen mūrdhā munau tapasi tiṣṭhati |

jñānād visṛjataḥ śastraṃ tādṛśe brahmavādini ||

Translation

But the head of one who knowingly releases a weapon against such a sage—standing in austerity, a teacher of brahman—will split into seven.

Context

'If any one deliberately discharges a weapon upon an ascetic observing austerities or on him who expounds the Vedas, his head will split into seven pieces.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Muni (sage)
• Brahmavādin (teacher of sacred knowledge)

FAQs

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

Dharma places ascetics and teachers under special protection; deliberate violence against them is portrayed as spiritually self-destructive.

What is the narrative situation?

The sage intensifies the warning by describing a traditional consequence for knowingly attacking a tapasvin or brahmavādin.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sanctity of learning and austerity—society’s duty to safeguard those dedicated to spiritual discipline.