Shloka 1.24.32
गङ्गा–सरयू-सङ्गमः, मलद–करूश-देशकथा, ताटकावनप्रवेशोपदेशः (The Confluence of Gaṅgā and Sarayū; the Tale of Malada–Karūśa; Counsel on Tātakā’s Forest)
एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं यथैतद्दारुणं वनम्।यक्ष्या चोत्सादितं सर्वमद्यापि न निवर्तते।।1.24.32।।
seyaṃ panthānam āvṛtya vasaty adhyardha-yojane |
ata eva na gantavyaṃ tāṭakāyā vanaṃ yataḥ ||1.24.29||
“She blocks the roadway and dwells about a yojana and a half from here. For this very reason, people do not pass through—since it is Tāṭakā’s forest.”
You have been told the manner in which this fierce forest is entirely ruined by that cruel yakshini. Tell now she has not left this place".ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē caturviṅśatissarga:৷৷Thus ends the twentyfourth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
When wrongdoing makes common life and travel unsafe, restoring order becomes a dharmic necessity for protectors of society.
Viśvāmitra explains that Tāṭakā’s presence has shut down a public route, creating fear and isolation.
Concern for the welfare of ordinary people—attention to how adharma harms society, not just individuals.