Shloka 48

अनसूयोपदेशः तथा सीताया स्वयंवरकथा

Anasuya’s Counsel and Sita’s Swayamvara Narrative

Devanagari script

इत्युक्तस्तेन विप्रेण तद्धनुस्समुपानयत्।।2.118.47।।निमेषान्तरमात्रेण तदाऽनम्य महाबलः।ज्यां समारोप्य झडिति पूरयामास वीर्यवान्।।2.118.48।।

Transliteration

ity uktaḥ tena vipreṇa tad dhanuḥ samupānayat || 2.118.47 || nimeṣāntaramātreṇa tadā namya mahābalaḥ | jyāṃ samāropya jhaḍiti pūrayāmāsa vīryavān || 2.118.48 ||

Translation

فلما خاطبه ذلك الحكيم، أخرج أبي القوس. ثم إن راما، العظيم القوة والبأس، ثناه، وأسرع فوضع الوتر وشدّه—في لمح البصر.

Word by Word

itithus

uktaḥhaving been addressed/spoken to

tenaby him/that (person)

vipreṇaby the brahmin/ascetic

tatthat

dhanuḥbow

samupānayatbrought near/presented

Context

At the words of that ascetic, my father brought out the bow. Mighty and valiant Rama bent it and strung it and drew it in the twinkling of an eye.

Characters & Entities

Viśvāmitra

Sītā’s father (Janaka implied)

Rāma

the divine bow (Śiva’s bow/Pināka implied)

bowstring (jyā)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Power becomes dharmic when exercised with composure and purpose: Rāma’s strength is shown as controlled, prompt, and respectful to the sacred setting.

What is the narrative situation?

At Viśvāmitra’s request, Janaka produces the bow; Rāma immediately bends, strings, and draws it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s competence joined with restraint—effortless mastery without arrogance.