Shloka 4
Āraṇyaka Parva, Adhyāya 116: Jamadagni–Reṇukā Narrative and the Kārtavīrya Conflict
Akṛtavraṇa’s Account
तस्या: कुमाराश्षत्वारो जज्ञिरे रामपज्चमा: । सर्वेषामजघन्यस्तु राम आसीज्जघन्यज:,उसके गर्भसे क्रमश: चार पुत्र हुए, फिर पाँचवें पुत्र परशुरामजीका जन्म हुआ। अवस्थाकी दृष्टिसे भाइयोंमें छोटे होनेपर भी वे गुणोंमें उन सबसे बढ़े-चढ़े थे
tasyāḥ kumārāś catvāro jajñire rāmapañcamāḥ | sarveṣām ajaghanyas tu rāma āsīj jaghanyajaḥ ||
From her were born four sons in due order; and as the fifth was born Rāma (Paraśurāma). Though youngest among the brothers by age, Rāma was foremost among them in excellence—showing that true worth is measured by virtue and capability rather than seniority alone.
अकृतव्रण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that excellence is not determined by birth order: although Rāma is the youngest, he is described as the foremost in qualities, implying an ethical emphasis on merit, virtue, and capability over mere seniority.
Akṛtavraṇa narrates a birth account: a woman bears four sons sequentially, and then a fifth son, Rāma (Paraśurāma). The narration immediately characterizes him as surpassing his elder brothers in qualities despite being the youngest.