Shloka 1.54.11

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

Devanagari script

इयमक्षौहिणी पूर्णा सवाजिरथसङ्कुला।हस्तिध्वजसमाकीर्णा तेनासौ बलवत्तर:।।।।

Transliteration

iyam akṣauhiṇī pūrṇā savājirathasaṅkulā |

hastidhvajasamākīrṇā tenāsau balavattaraḥ || 1.54.11 ||

Translation

Here is a full akṣauhiṇī—dense with horses and chariots, crowded with elephants and banners; therefore he is the stronger.

Context

He has an entire akshauhini composed of horses, chariots, elephants and banners. Hence he is stonger".

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā
• Viśvāmitra
• Akṣauhiṇī
• Elephants
• Chariots
• Banners

FAQs

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

It distinguishes force from righteousness: military might can dominate physically, yet dharma ultimately depends on right conduct and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Śabalā recognizes the scale of Viśvāmitra’s army and concludes he is stronger in sheer worldly terms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Clear-sighted discernment—acknowledging material reality while the story moves toward the triumph of spiritual power aligned with dharma.