Shloka 1.16.30
पायसप्रादुर्भावः — The Manifestation of the Divine Payasa and the Avatara Resolution
तास्त्वेतत्पायसं प्राप्य नरेन्द्रस्योत्तमास्स्त्रय:।सम्मानं मेनिरे सर्वां: प्रहर्षोदितचेतस:।।।।
sa hi tepe tapas tīvraṁ dīrgha-kālam arindama | yena tuṣṭo ’bhavad brahmā loka-kṛl loka-pūrvajaḥ ||
For a long time he performed intense austerities, O subduer of foes; by that, Brahmā—the creator of the worlds, born before the worlds—became pleased.
The virtuous wives of the king were exceedingly delighted and felt honoured after receiving the payasam .
Austerity and disciplined effort can yield powerful results; Dharma requires that such power be guided by righteous intent rather than ego or harm.
Viśvāmitra explains the background to Rāvaṇa’s rise—his severe penance that won Brahmā’s favor.
Tapas (self-discipline) is highlighted as a potent force—ethically neutral unless directed by Dharma.