Shloka 58
Rāma–Jāmadagnya-janma-kāraṇa and Kṣatra-kṣaya
Paraśurāma’s origins and the depletion/restoration of kṣatriya lineages
प्रतर्दनप्रभूतयो राम किं क्षत्रिया न ते । मिथ्याप्रतिज्ञो राम त्वं कत्थसे जनसंसदि
pratardanaprabhūtayo rāma kiṁ kṣatriyā na te | mithyāpratijño rāma tvaṁ katthase janasansadi ||
Vāsudeva said: “Rāma, were not Pratardana and the others kṣatriyas? Your vow is false. You boast in vain in the public assembly, claiming, ‘I have brought the kṣatriyas to an end.’”
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A vow (pratijñā) must align with truth and reality; public boasting (katthā) is ethically blameworthy when it masks falsehood. Dharma is upheld by सत्य (truthfulness) and humility rather than self-proclaimed achievements.
Vāsudeva confronts Rāma (Paraśurāma), challenging his claim that he annihilated all kṣatriyas. By pointing to the continued existence of kṣatriyas (exemplified by figures like Pratardana), he calls Rāma’s public boast a false vow.