Shloka 2.61.23

कौसल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and Ethical Analogies on Kingship

Devanagari script

नैतस्य सहिता लोका भयं कुर्युर्महामृथे।अधर्मंत्विह धर्मात्मा लोकं धर्मेण योजयेत्।।2.61.23।।

Transliteration

nanv asau kāñcanair bāṇair mahāvīryo mahābhujaḥ |

yugānta iva bhūtāni sāgarān api nirdahēt || 2.61.24 ||

Translation

Indeed, that mighty hero, the great-armed one—by his golden arrows—could burn up beings and even the oceans, as at the world’s end.

Context

Even if all the worlds were to unite and fight against him, he will not fear. Thisrighteous Rama will re-establish justice in this unrighteous world.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• oceans (sāgara)

FAQs

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

Might must be governed by dharma: the capacity to destroy does not justify destruction; restraint and right purpose define righteous power.

What is the narrative situation?

The speaker magnifies Rāma’s power to show that his compliance is voluntary and ethical, not due to inability.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Extraordinary strength held under moral discipline—power subordinated to truth and duty.