Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 4
The Slaying of Hiraṇyākṣa and the Triumph of Varāha
स तदा लब्धतीर्थोऽपि न बबाधे निरायुधम् । मानयन् स मृधे धर्मं विष्वक्सेनं प्रकोपयन् ॥ ४ ॥
sa tadā labdha-tīrtho ’pi na babādhe nirāyudham mānayan sa mṛdhe dharmaṁ viṣvaksenaṁ prakopayan
Even though the demon had an excellent opportunity to strike his unarmed foe without obstruction, he respected the law of single combat, thereby kindling the fury of the Supreme Lord.
FAQs
In this verse, the Lord (Viṣvaksena) does not strike the enemy when he is unarmed, showing adherence to yuddha-dharma—righteous conduct even in combat.
Although He had an opening, He honored the moral code of battle; by restraining Himself, He intensified the opponent’s agitation and sustained a dharmic contest.
Even when you have the advantage, avoid exploiting someone when they are vulnerable; uphold fairness and ethics, especially in conflict, competition, or debate.