Shloka 2.118.48

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

tena pūrayatā vegān madhye bhagnaṃ dvidhā dhanuḥ | tasya śabdo bhavad bhīmaḥ patitasyāśaner iva || 2.118.49 ||

Translation

As he drew it with force, the bow snapped in the middle into two; and the sound that arose was terrifying—like a thunderbolt crashing down.

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

• Rāma
• the divine bow (Śiva’s bow/Pināka implied)
• thunderbolt (aśani)

FAQs

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

Dharma recognizes rightful potency: extraordinary strength, when aligned with truthful purpose, becomes a sign of fitness for responsibility rather than mere display.

What is the narrative situation?

During Rāma’s drawing of the bow, it breaks in two with a thunder-like crash—marking the decisive moment of the ordeal.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s overwhelming yet controlled power—capability that confirms worthiness without cruelty or pride.