Shloka 1.28.3

अस्त्रग्रहणं संहारोपदेशश्च — Receiving the Astras and Instruction on Withdrawal

Devanagari script

एवं ब्रुवति काकुत्स्थे विश्वामित्रो महामुनि:।संहारं व्याजहाराथ धृतिमान् सुव्रतश्शुचि:।।1.28.3।।

Transliteration

evaṃ bruvati kākutsthe viśvāmitro mahāmuniḥ | saṃhāraṃ vyājahārātha dhṛtimān suvrataḥ śuciḥ || 1.28.3 ||

Translation

When Kakutstha (Rāma) had spoken thus, the great sage Viśvāmitra—steadfast, pure, and firm in his sacred vows—then taught him the mantra for withdrawing and recalling the weapons.

Context

To these words spoken by Rama, maharshi Viswamitra who was patient practitioner of vows and pure taught the withdrawl mantra.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kakutstha
• Viśvāmitra

FAQs

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

Dharma here is disciplined power: one must not only receive weapons/skills but also learn restraint—how to withdraw and control them—so strength serves righteousness rather than impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma speaks (in the ongoing instruction scene), Viśvāmitra proceeds to teach him the ‘saṃhāra’—the method/mantra to recall or neutralize the granted astras.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s purity and vow-based discipline (śuci, suvrata) and Rāma’s readiness to learn controlled use of power—fortitude guided by training.