Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 25, Shloka 5
कौशल्याया मङ्गलविधानम्
Kausalya’s Benedictions and Protective Rites for Rama
यानि दत्तानि तेऽस्त्राणि विश्वामित्रेण धीमता।तानि त्वामभिरक्षन्तु गुणैस्समुदितं सदा।।2.25.5।।
yāni dattāni te 'strāṇi viśvāmitreṇa dhīmatā | tāni tvām abhirakṣantu guṇaiḥ samuditaṃ sadā || 2.25.5 ||
May the weapons bestowed on you by the wise Viśvāmitra—endowed with their potent mantric qualities—ever protect you.
May the weapons endowed with mantric qualities, which were bestowed on you by sagacious Viswamitra always protect you!
FAQs
Dharma includes invoking rightful means of protection for a righteous mission: blessings are directed toward safeguarding Rāma so he can uphold duty without being obstructed by adharma.
Kausalyā blesses Rāma as he prepares to depart, recalling the divine weapons earlier granted by Viśvāmitra and praying they serve as his protection.
Trust in sacred empowerment used responsibly: the verse highlights that spiritual power (mantra-endowed astras) is meant to protect dharma, not to gratify ego.