Shloka 1.21.10

बालकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Daśaratha’s Promise, Vasiṣṭha’s Counsel, and Viśvāmitra’s Weapon-Lore

Devanagari script

एष विग्रहवान् धर्म एष वीर्यवतां वर:।एष बुध्याऽधिको लोके तपसश्च परायणम्।।।।

Transliteration

eṣa vigrahavān dharma eṣa vīryavatāṃ varaḥ | eṣa buddhyā ’dhiko loke tapasaś ca parāyaṇam ||

Translation

He is dharma embodied; he is the foremost among the mighty. In this world he surpasses all in intellect, and in the power of tapas he stands as the supreme refuge.

Context

This (Viswamitra) is an embodiment of righteousness and unsurpassed among the powerful. None can excel him in intellect in this world. He is the supreme refuge inausterity.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha
• Dharma
• Tapas

FAQs

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

True authority is grounded in dharma and tapas: spiritual integrity and disciplined austerity create moral power that even kings should respect.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha is being reminded of Viśvāmitra’s extraordinary stature so that the king will not resist the sage’s request regarding Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s righteous strength—wisdom, self-control, and ascetic accomplishment as the basis of leadership.