Shloka 1.54.13

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

Devanagari script

न बलं क्षत्रियस्याहुर्ब्राह्मणो बलवत्तर:।ब्रह्मन् ब्रह्मबलं दिव्यं क्षत्रात्तु बलवत्तरम्।।।।

Transliteration

na balaṃ kṣatriyasya āhur brāhmaṇo balavattaraḥ | brahman brahmabalaṃ divyaṃ kṣatrāt tu balavattaram ||

Translation

“O Brahmin! It is not said that a kṣatriya’s might is the greater; the brāhmaṇa is stronger. The brāhmaṇa’s power—divine brahma-bala—is indeed stronger than kṣatriya force.”

Context

"O Best of brahmins! it is held that the strength of a kshatriya is no greater than a brahmin's. A brahmin possesses great strength his strength is divine. It is greater than that of a kshatriya.

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā (Kāmadhenu)
• Vasiṣṭha
• Brāhmaṇa
• Kṣatriya

FAQs

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

Dharma prioritizes spiritual discipline and truth-aligned authority (brahma-tejas) over coercive power; rightful power is grounded in tapas and restraint, not domination.

What is the narrative situation?

Śabalā explains to Vasiṣṭha that the spiritual power of a brahmin surpasses the military strength of a king, framing the impending defeat of Viśvāmitra’s force.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence for tapas and spiritual merit—recognizing that inner mastery is superior to external force.