Shloka 45
पाण्डवानां पाञ्चालगमनम्
The Pāṇḍavas’ Journey toward Pāñcāla and News of the Svayaṃvara
विश्वामित्र: क्षत्रभावान्निर्विण्णो वाक््यमब्रवीत् । धिग् बल क्षत्रियबल ब्रह्मतेजोबलं बलम्,ब्रद्मतजका यह अत्यन्त आश्चर्यजनक चमत्कार देखकर विश्वामित्र क्षत्रियत्वसे खिन्न एवं उदासीन हो यह बात बोले--'“क्षत्रिय-बल तो नाममात्रका ही बल है, उसे धिक्कार है। ब्रह्मतेजजनित बल ही वास्तविक बल है!
Viśvāmitraḥ kṣatrabhāvān nirviṇṇo vākyam abravīt | dhig bala kṣatriya-balaṃ brahma-tejo-balaṃ balam ||
Seeing the astonishing power born of spiritual radiance (brahma‑tejas), Viśvāmitra—disheartened and weary of the kṣatriya way—spoke: “Shame on the so‑called strength of kṣatriyas; it is strength only in name. True strength is the strength that arises from brahmanical splendor (brahma‑tejas).”
गन्धर्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts external, martial strength with inner, ascetic-spiritual potency. It teaches that power grounded in tapas, self-control, and sacred insight (brahma-tejas) is regarded as superior to mere physical or political force, and it can prompt ethical self-reassessment and transformation.
Viśvāmitra, a kṣatriya, witnesses an extraordinary display of brahmanical/ascetic power (implied by context). Struck with awe and frustration, he condemns kṣatriya strength as inadequate and acknowledges brahma-tejas as the true power—foreshadowing his resolve to pursue ascetic practice and a higher spiritual status.