Shloka 2.61.24

कौसल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and Ethical Analogies on Kingship

Devanagari script

नन्वसौ काञ्चनैर्बाणैर्महावीर्यो महाभुजः।युगान्त इव भूतानि सागरानपि निर्दहेत्।।2.61.24।।

Transliteration

nanv asau kāñcanair bāṇair mahāvīryo mahābhujaḥ |

yugānta iva bhūtāni sāgarān api nirdahēt ||

Translation

Surely that mighty, long-armed Rāma, with his golden arrows, could burn up beings and even the oceans, as at the world’s end.

Context

Valiant and mighty-armed Rama, with his golden shafts can annihilate all living beings and oceans like at the time of deluge everything is consumed in fire.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• oceans (sāgara)

FAQs

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

Power is acknowledged as immense, but the epic’s dharma-frame implies restraint: Rāma’s greatness is not merely destructive capacity, but disciplined strength aligned with righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma’s capability is being recalled in heightened, cosmic comparisons, underscoring the tragedy and irony of such a hero being sent away from the kingdom.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s vīrya (martial prowess) and heroic stature—suggesting a protector whose strength could overwhelm even cosmic elements.