Shloka 1.54.16

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

Devanagari script

इत्युक्तस्तु तया राम वसिष्ठ स्सुमहायशा:।सृजस्वेति तदोवाच बलं परबलार्दनम्।।।।

Transliteration

ity uktas tu tayā rāma vasiṣṭhaḥ sumahāyaśāḥ | sṛjasva iti tadā uvāca balaṃ parabalārdanam ||

Translation

Thus addressed by her, O Rāma, the highly renowned Vasiṣṭha then said: “Create an army—one that can crush the enemy’s strength.”

Context

O Rama! to this, glorious Vasishta replied: "Create an army capable of crushing the enemy power.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Śabalā (Kāmadhenu)
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Even force, when used, is to be sanctioned by righteous authority and aimed at restraining adharma—defense rather than domination.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha authorizes Śabalā to generate a counter-force against the aggressing king’s army.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Measured decisiveness: Vasiṣṭha acts firmly, but within a dharmic frame of command and purpose.