Shloka 1.21.16

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

Devanagari script

पञ्चाशतं सुतान् लेभे जया नाम परान् पुरा।वधायासुरसैन्यानाममेयान् कामरूपिण:।।।।

Transliteration

pañcāśataṃ sutān lebhe jayā nāma parān purā | vadhāyāsura-sainyānām ameyān kāma-rūpiṇaḥ ||

Translation

In former times Jaya bore fifty outstanding sons—immeasurable in power and able to assume forms at will—destined to destroy the armies of the asuras.

Context

Formerly Jaya, for the destruction of the army of asuras gave birth to fifty sons by virtue of a boon. They possess immeasurable power of changing forms at will.

Characters & Entities

• Jaya
• Asuras
• Asura armies

FAQs

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

Power is justified when oriented to protection against adharma: the capacity for destruction is framed as defensive—aimed at restraining hostile forces.

What is the narrative situation?

The genealogy continues, specifying Jaya’s fifty sons and their purpose against asuric forces.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective strength—might directed toward safeguarding cosmic order rather than personal gain.