Shloka 1.28.14

अस्त्रग्रहणं संहारोपदेशश्च — Receiving the Astras and Instruction on Withdrawal

Devanagari script

मानसा: कार्यकालेषु साहाय्यं मे करिष्यथ।गम्यतामिति तानाह यथेष्टं रघुनन्दन:।।1.28.14।।

Transliteration

mānasāḥ kārya-kāleṣu sāhāyyaṁ me kariṣyatha |

gamyatām iti tān āha yatheṣṭaṁ raghunandanaḥ || 1.28.14 ||

Translation

Rāma, the joy of the Raghus, said to them: “Abide in my mind; at times of need, render me aid. Now depart as you wish.”

Context

Rama spoke to them (astra devatas) saying, "Reside in my mind and render assistance in times of need. Now you can go according to your will".

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Raghunandana)
• Astra-devatāḥ

FAQs

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

Dharma here is restraint: Rāma does not unleash power casually; he internalizes it (“abide in my mind”) and calls it only when duty requires, modeling ethical control over destructive capability.

What is the narrative situation?

After the astras’ deities offer service, Rāma sets the condition of their availability—mental readiness and assistance only at necessary moments—then permits them to depart.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-mastery and prudence: Rāma demonstrates that true strength lies in disciplined containment and purposeful deployment, not in display.