Shloka 1.16.3

पायसप्रादुर्भावः — The Manifestation of the Divine Payasa and the Avatara Resolution

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तास्सुरास्सर्वे प्रत्यूचुर्विष्णुमव्ययम्।मानुषीं तनुमास्थाय रावणं जहि संयुगे।।।।

Transliteration

evam uktāḥ surāḥ sarve pratyūcuḥ viṣṇum avyayam | mānuṣīṃ tanum āsthāya rāvaṇaṃ jahi saṃyuge || 1.16.3 ||

Translation

Thus addressed, all the gods replied to the imperishable Viṣṇu: “Assume a human body and slay Rāvaṇa in battle.”

Context

When the devatas were thus addressed by the imperishable Visnu, they replied him saying, "You may assume the form of a human being and slay Ravana in the battle".

Characters & Entities

• Devas
• Viṣṇu
• Rāvaṇa
• human incarnation

FAQs

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

Dharma is the restoration of moral order: when adharma becomes overpowering, rightful force aligned with justice is invoked to protect beings and re-establish balance.

What is the narrative situation?

The gods petition Viṣṇu to incarnate as a human so that Rāvaṇa—protected by boons against many beings—may be defeated.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Commitment to loka-saṃgraha (the welfare and stability of the world) through decisive action against tyranny.