Shloka 1.28.13
अस्त्रग्रहणं संहारोपदेशश्च — Receiving the Astras and Instruction on Withdrawal
बाढमित्येव काकुत्स्थ: प्रहृष्टेनान्तारात्मना।
दिव्यभास्वरदेहाश्च मूर्तिमन्तस्सुखप्रदा:।।1.28.11
केचिदङ्गारसदृशा: केचिद्धूमोपमास्तथा।
चन्द्रार्कसदृशा: केचित्प्रह्वाञ्जलिपुटास्तथा।।1.28.12।।
रामं प्राञ्जलयो भूत्वाऽब्रुवन् मधुरभाषिण:।
इमे स्म नरशार्दूल शाधि किं करवाम ते।।1.28.13।।
rāmaṁ prāñjalayo bhūtvā ’bruvan madhura-bhāṣiṇaḥ |
ime sma naraśārdūla śādhi kiṁ karavāma te || 1.28.13 ||
With palms joined and gentle speech, they addressed Rāma: “O tiger among men, here we stand—command us; what shall we do for you?”
"Certainly" said Rama, and with a delighted heart received the astras. Some of the astra devatas were coal-black, some like smoke, some resembled rays of Sun or Moon. Assuming corporal forms, with shining, divine bodies, those weapons the their bodies bent down and palms folder they spoke to Rama in a gentle voice: "O tiger among men, here we are, What can we do for you"?
Dharma is the ordering of power through rightful command: the astras (as divine agencies) present themselves as servants of a dhārmic bearer, indicating that force is legitimate only when guided by righteous intent and accountable authority.
The weapon-deities, having manifested, formally offer their obedience to Rāma and request his instructions, signaling that the astras are now available to him when properly invoked.
Rāma’s leadership and moral fitness (maryādā) are highlighted: beings of immense power willingly submit to him, implying he embodies restraint, clarity of purpose, and adherence to dharma.