Shloka 1.24.15
गङ्गा–सरयू-सङ्गमः, मलद–करूश-देशकथा, ताटकावनप्रवेशोपदेशः (The Confluence of Gaṅgā and Sarayū; the Tale of Malada–Karūśa; Counsel on Tātakā’s Forest)
धवाश्वकर्णककुभैर्बिल्वतिन्दुकपाटलै:।
सङ्कीर्णं बदरीभिश्च किन्न्वेतद्दारुणं वनम्।।1.24.15।।
dhavāśvakarṇa-kakubhair bilva-tinduka-pāṭalaiḥ | saṅkīrṇaṃ badarībhiś ca kinnv etad dāruṇaṃ vanam || 1.24.15 ||
“Thick with dhava, aśvakarṇa, kakubha, bilva, tinduka, and pāṭala trees, and crowded with badarī as well—what, indeed, is this dreadful forest?”
This forest jampacked with dhava, ashvakarna, kakubha, bilva, tinduka, patala and badari trees, how frightening this forest could be!"
Dharma supports learning through questioning: Rāma seeks truthful explanation (satya-jijñāsā) rather than relying on speculation.
Rāma notes the dense vegetation and fearful atmosphere and asks Viśvāmitra what this forest is.
Intellectual humility—asking for context from the sage to align action with right understanding.