Shloka 1.41.23
अंशुमान्—अश्वान्वेषणम्, दिशागजसंवादः, कपिलदाहवृत्तान्तः, गङ्गोपदेशः (Anshuman’s Search for the Horse and the Counsel to Bring Ganga)
ततो राजानमासाद्य दीक्षितं रघुनन्दन।।।।न्यवेदयद्यथावृत्तं सुपर्णवचनं तथा।
antarbhaumāni sattvāni vīryavanti mahānti ca | teṣāṃ tvaṃ pratighātārthaṃ sāstraṃ gṛhṇīṣva kārmukam ||
In the depths of the earth dwell great and mighty beings. To repel and destroy them, take up your weapons—above all, your bow.
O Descendant of the Raghus (Rama), having reached the king who had been initiated into the ceremony, Anshuman communicated faithfully to him all that had happened. He also reported the words Suparna had said.
A kṣatriya’s dharma includes preparedness to protect righteous undertakings. Here, safeguarding the sacrificial purpose requires courage and readiness against harmful forces.
Sagara instructs Anśumān before sending him into the earth to pursue the stolen sacrificial horse and to deal with dangers on the way.
Vīrya (valor) joined with responsibility—strength used in service of a lawful duty rather than aggression for its own sake.