Shloka 1.54.2

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

Devanagari script

नीयमाना तु शबला राम राज्ञा महात्मना।दु:खिता चिन्तयामास रुदन्ती शोककर्शिता।।।।

Transliteration

nīyamānā tu śabalā rāma rājñā mahātmanā | duḥkhitā cintayāmāsa rudantī śoka-karśitā ||

Translation

But as Śabalā was being led away by the great king, O Rāma, she wept in distress—worn down by grief—and pondered within herself.

Context

O Rama! when she was being taken away by the powerful king the distressed Sabala thus reflected choked with sorrow":

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā
• Rāma
• King (Viśvāmitra, by context)

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects coercive appropriation of what is not rightfully one’s; the suffering of the innocent becomes a moral indicator of adharma in action.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra’s men are taking Śabalā away; she is grief-stricken and begins to consider what to do.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance and moral awareness amid suffering—Śabalā’s reflective response rather than impulsive retaliation.