Shloka 18
Rāma–Jāmadagnya-janma-kāraṇa and Kṣatra-kṣaya
Paraśurāma’s origins and the depletion/restoration of kṣatriya lineages
मात्रासि व्यंसिता भद्रे चरुव्यत्यासहेतुना । भविष्यति हि ते पुत्र: क्रूरकर्मात्यमर्षण:
mātrāsi vyaṁsitā bhadre caruvyatyāsahetunā | bhaviṣyati hi te putraḥ krūrakarmātyamarṣaṇaḥ ||
Vāyu said: “O gentle lady, because the sacrificial offering (caru) was exchanged, your measure has been disturbed. Therefore, a son will indeed be born to you—one whose deeds will be harsh, and whose temper will be fiercely intolerant.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links ritual disorder (the exchanged caru) with moral-psychological consequence: when the proper measure and order are disturbed, the resulting fruit may manifest as a harsh disposition. It underscores causality (karma/hetu) and the ethical weight of correct intention and procedure.
Vāyudeva addresses a woman respectfully and explains that a transposition in the sacrificial oblation has disrupted the intended allotment. He then foretells that her son will be born with a cruel, intolerant temperament as a consequence of that ritual reversal.