Markandeya Purana — Adhyaya 70, Shloka 5
Adhyaya 70 — The King Confronts the Rakshasa and Restores the Brahmin’s Wife
साहं हृता बलाकेन राक्षसेन दुरात्मना । प्रसुप्ता भवनस्यान्ते भ्रातृमातृवियोजिता ॥
sāhaṃ hṛtā balākena rākṣasena durātmanā / prasuptā bhavanasyānte bhrātṛmātṛviyojitā
“मैं घर के किनारे सो रही थी—भाई और माता से बिछुड़ी हुई—तभी उस दुष्ट राक्षस बलाक ने मेरा अपहरण कर लिया।”
FAQs
The verse highlights vulnerability and the duty of protectors (king/community) to safeguard those at risk; adharma exploits negligence and isolation.
Manvantara narrative illustrating dharma by contrast—showing adharma (rākṣasa violence) and the consequent need for righteous intervention.
Sleep signifies unguarded consciousness; the rākṣasa’s abduction symbolizes how disorder seizes the psyche when vigilance (rakṣā) and supportive bonds (mother/brother) are severed.