Shloka 1.21.18

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

Devanagari script

तानि चास्त्राणि वेत्त्येष यथावत्कुशिकात्मज:।अपूर्वाणां च जनने शक्तो भूयस्स धर्मवित्।।।।

Transliteration

pūrvam arthaṃ pratiśrutya pratijñāṃ hātum icchasi |

rāghavāṇām ayukto 'yaṃ kulasyāsya viparyayaḥ ||

Translation

Having earlier promised this matter, you now wish to abandon that pledge. Such a breach is unworthy of the Rāghavas and would be a grave reversal for this royal lineage.

Context

Viswamitra is well conversant with these weapons. Being virtuous, he is capable of creating new weapons also.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Daśaratha
• Rāghava
• Raghu dynasty

FAQs

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

Satya and pratijñā-pālana (keeping one’s promise). For a king, truthfulness is not private morality alone; it safeguards the credibility and dharma of the entire dynasty.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra confronts Daśaratha for hesitating to send Rāma after having agreed, warning that breaking the promise would stain the Rāghava lineage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Royal integrity (rāja-satya): steadfastness in vows and consistency between word and deed, especially expected of an Ikṣvāku ruler.