Shloka 1.54.10

शबलाहरणम् — The Attempted Seizure of Sabalā (Kāmadhenu) and the Triumph of Brahmic Power

Devanagari script

न हि तुल्यं बलं मह्यं राजा त्वद्य विशेषत:।बली राजा क्षत्रियश्च पृथिव्या: पतिरेव च।।।।

Transliteration

na hi tulyaṃ balaṃ mahyaṃ rājā tv adya viśeṣataḥ |

balī rājā kṣatriyaś ca pṛthivyāḥ patir eva ca || 1.54.10 ||

Translation

I have no strength equal to the king’s—especially today. The king is powerful; he is a kṣatriya, and indeed the lord of the earth.

Context

I am no match for his strength, especially he is a king. Being king, he is a warrior, powerful and lord of the earth.

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā
• Viśvāmitra
• King (rājā)
• Kṣatriya

FAQs

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

It points to a dharmic tension: worldly power can overwhelm the weak, but power alone does not establish moral right.

What is the narrative situation?

During Śabalā’s seizure, her helplessness is expressed against royal force and authority.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and realism about power, setting up the need for protection through righteous authority (Vasiṣṭha’s tapas and dharma).