Shloka 1.21.22

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

Devanagari script

तानि चास्त्राणि वेत्त्येष यथावत्कुशिकात्मजः।

अपूर्वाणां च जनने शक्तो भूयस्स धर्मवित्।।

Transliteration

tāni cāstrāṇi vetty eṣa yathāvat kuśikātmajaḥ |

apūrvāṇāṃ ca janane śakto bhūyaḥ sa dharmavit ||

Translation

This son of Kuśika knows those weapons in full and proper detail; and, being a knower of dharma, he is moreover capable of bringing forth even new, unprecedented weapons.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Daśaratha
• Viśvāmitra
• Kuśika
• Astras (divine weapons)

FAQs

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

Power is validated by dharma. Viśvāmitra’s mastery over weapons is framed as grounded in righteousness and disciplined wisdom, not mere force.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha reassures Daśaratha about Viśvāmitra’s competence, emphasizing his complete command of astras and even the ability to generate new ones.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s dharma-jñāna and tapas-born capability—knowledge used for protection and rightful purpose.