Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 24, Shloka 27
गङ्गा–सरयू-सङ्गमः, मलद–करूश-देशकथा, ताटकावनप्रवेशोपदेशः
The Confluence of Gaṅgā and Sarayū; the Tale of Malada–Karūśa; Counsel on Tātakā’s Forest
वृत्तबाहुर्महावीर्यो विपुलास्य तनुर्महान्।राक्षसो भैरवाकारो नित्यं त्रासयते प्रजा:।।1.24.27।।
vṛttabāhur mahāvīryo vipulāsyaḥ tanur mahān |
rākṣaso bhairavākāro nityaṃ trāsayate prajāḥ || 1.24.27 ||
May isang rākṣasa na bilugan at makapangyarihan ang mga bisig—dakila ang sigla, malapad ang mukha at napakalaki ng katawan—nakapangingilabot ang anyo, at walang tigil na nagpapahirap sa mga tao.
Then, after a lapse of several years, O gentle one a terrible yakshini by name Tataka, wife of intelligent Sunda, capable of assuming different forms at will, possessed of the strength of a thousand elephants and mother of a rakshasa known as Maricha armed with the power of Indra took possession of this place.
FAQs
Dharma prioritizes protection of the innocent: when the people live in constant fear, restoring safety becomes a righteous obligation for those capable of acting.
The narration describes the terrifying rākṣasa who continuously frightens the inhabitants, intensifying the urgency of the impending confrontation.
Kṣātra responsibility (heroic duty): the need for courageous intervention against ongoing harm to the populace.