Shloka 18
तपस्विनाम् औत्सुक्यं राक्षसत्रासश्च
Ascetics’ Anxiety and the Fear of Rakshasas
तैर्दुरात्मभिरामृष्टानाश्रमान्प्रजिहासवः।गमनायान्यदेशस्य चोदयन्त्यृषयोऽद्य माम्।।2.116.18।।
tair durātmabhir āmṛṣṭān āśramān prajihāsavaḥ |
gamanāyānyadeśasya codayanty ṛṣayo ’dya mām ||2.116.18||
ఆ దురాత్ముల చేత అపవిత్రమైన ఆశ్రమాలను విడిచిపెట్టాలని కోరే ఋషులు, నేడు నన్ను ఇతర దేశానికి వెళ్లమని ప్రేరేపిస్తున్నారు।
Now all these sages are urging me to abandon this hermitage infested by these wicked rakshasas and move to another region.
FAQs
When dharmic life becomes impossible due to persistent adharma, withdrawal to preserve spiritual practice can be justified; the verse highlights safeguarding tapas and satya-based ritual life.
Because the hermitages are being defiled by wicked aggressors, the sages press their leader to relocate to a safer region.
Prudence and responsibility: the sages prioritize the continuity of sacred duties over attachment to a particular place.