Shloka 1.21.13

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

Devanagari script

सर्वास्त्राणि भृशाश्वस्य पुत्रा: परमधार्मिका:।कौशिकाय पुरा दत्ता यदा राज्यं प्रशासति।।।।

Transliteration

sarvāstrāṇi bhṛśāśvasya putrāḥ parama-dhārmikāḥ | kauśikāya purā dattā yadā rājyaṃ praśāsati ||

Translation

Long ago, when he was ruling the kingdom, all those weapons were bestowed upon Kauśika (Viśvāmitra) by the supremely righteous sons of Bhṛśāśva.

Context

All these weapons were given to Viswamitra by Bhrisasva's highly virtuous sons whilehe was ruling the kingdom.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra (Kauśika)
• Bhṛśāśva
• Bhṛśāśva’s sons
• Astra (weapons)

FAQs

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

Transmission of power must follow righteousness: weapons (force) are legitimately entrusted to one whose life is aligned with dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The text explains the provenance of Viśvāmitra’s arsenal—how he received all astras from a renowned righteous lineage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s worthiness and recognized integrity, proven by others entrusting him with great power.