Shloka 19
Kāṣṭhīla-Upākhyāna: Rākṣasī, Spear-Śakti, and Kāśī as Śakti-kṣetra
उवाच राक्षसीं तां तु सशंको मधुरं वचः । सुभगे नीतिशास्त्रेषु विश्वस्तव्या न योषितः ॥ १९ ॥
uvāca rākṣasīṃ tāṃ tu saśaṃko madhuraṃ vacaḥ | subhage nītiśāstreṣu viśvastavyā na yoṣitaḥ || 19 ||
Sau đó, dù trong lòng nghi ngại, chàng vẫn nói với nữ Dạ xoa ấy bằng những lời ngọt ngào: “Hỡi nàng xinh đẹp, theo lời dạy của Niti-shastra, phụ nữ là không thể tin tưởng được.”
Narrative voice (the text narrates the character’s speech; direct speaker within the verse is an unnamed male addressing a rākṣasī)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
The verse highlights vigilance (saśaṅkatā) and discernment in worldly dealings—an aspect of practical dharma—showing that sweet speech may mask harmful intent, especially in encounters with deceptive forces.
Indirectly, it supports bhakti by warning against misplaced trust and distraction: a devotee should cultivate viveka (discernment) so the mind remains steady and protected from temptation or deception that can derail devotion.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa, or Śikṣā) is taught in this line; it instead reflects nīti-śāstra style practical ethics—guidance for prudent conduct in social situations.