Shloka 1.31.9

सिद्धाश्रमात् शोणातटं प्रस्थानम् — Departure from Siddhāśrama and the Invitation to Janaka’s Yajña (Bow of Mithilā)

Devanagari script

नास्य देवा न गन्धर्वा नासुरा न च राक्षसा:।कर्तुमारोपणं शक्ता न कथञ्चन मानुषा:।।1.31.9।।

Transliteration

nāsya devā na gandharvā nāsurā na ca rākṣasāḥ | kartum āropaṇaṃ śaktā na kathañcana mānuṣāḥ || 1.31.9 ||

Translation

Neither gods nor gandharvas, neither asuras nor rākṣasas—nor even human beings—are in any way able to string that bow.

Context

Neither devas, nor gandharvas, nor asuras nor human, are capable of stringing the bow by any means.

Characters & Entities

• Devas
• Gandharvas
• Asuras
• Rākṣasas
• Humans (mānuṣāḥ)
• The divine bow (asya)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes acknowledging limits and the sacred: extraordinary power is not to be approached with arrogance, but with reverence and rightful qualification.

What is the narrative situation?

The sages underscore the bow’s unmatched nature by stating that no class of beings can string it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility before the sacred and recognition that true capability is aligned with destiny and dharma, not mere strength.