Shloka 1.54.23

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

Devanagari script

ततोऽस्त्राणि महातेजा विश्वामित्रो मुमोच ह।तैस्तैर्यवनकाम्भोजा: पप्लवाश्चाकुलीकृता:।।।।

Transliteration

tato 'strāṇi mahātejā viśvāmitro mumoca ha | tais tair yavanakāmbhojāḥ paplavāś cākulīkṛtāḥ ||

Translation

Then the great-splendored Viśvāmitra loosed his weapons; by those various missiles, the Yavanas, Kāmbojas, and Paplavas were thrown into confusion and distress.

Context

Thereafter, most brilliant Viswamitra released weapons. With these weapons, the Yavanas, Kambhojas and Paplavas were scattered".ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē catuṣpañcāśassarga:৷৷Thus ends the fiftyfourth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Yavana
• Kāmboja
• Paplava

FAQs

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

Dharma includes restoring order when violence has erupted—yet the Ramayana repeatedly implies that true righteousness lies in mastery over power, not merely in wielding it.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra counters the manifested groups by deploying astras, causing their ranks to scatter in disarray.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic capability and command over spiritual weaponry are emphasized, while the broader episode questions whether power without humility aligns with Dharma.