Shloka 120
यक्षी वा राक्षसी वा त्वमुताहो$सि वराड़ना । सर्वथा कुरु नः स्वस्ति रक्ष वास्माननिन्दिते,“तुम यक्षी हो या राक्षसी अथवा कोई श्रेष्ठ देवांगना हो? अनिन्दिते! सर्वथा हमारा कल्याण एवं संरक्षण करो। कल्याणि! यह हमारा समूह शीघ्र कुशलपूर्वक यहाँसे चला जाय और हमलोगोंका सब प्रकारसे भला हो, ऐसी कृपा करो”
yakṣī vā rākṣasī vā tvam utāho'si varāṅganā | sarvathā kuru naḥ svasti rakṣa vāsmān anindite ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “Are you a Yakṣī, or a Rākṣasī, or perhaps some noble celestial maiden? O blameless one, in every way secure our welfare—protect us. Grant that our company may depart from here swiftly in safety, and that good may come to us on all sides.”
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
In uncertainty and danger, one seeks protection through respectful speech and an appeal to auspiciousness (svasti). The verse models prudence and humility: rather than provoking an unknown power, the speaker requests welfare and safety for the group.
Bṛhadaśva addresses an unknown female supernatural presence, unsure whether she is benevolent (Yakṣī/celestial maiden) or malevolent (Rākṣasī). He asks her to ensure the party’s well-being, protect them, and allow them to leave the place safely.