Shloka 1.55.16

कामधेनुसैन्यप्रादुर्भावः — Kamadhenu’s Forces, Visvamitra’s Austerities, and Vasishta’s Wrath

Devanagari script

यदि तुष्टो महादेव धनुर्वेदो ममानघ।साङ्गोपाङ्गोपनिषदस्सरहस्य: प्रदीयताम्।।1.55.16।।

Transliteration

yadi tuṣṭo mahādeva dhanurvedo mamānagha | sāṅgopāṅgopaniṣadas sarahasyaḥ pradīyatām || 1.55.16 ||

Translation

“If you are pleased, O Mahādeva, O blameless one, grant me Dhanurveda—together with its limbs and sub-limbs, its upaniṣadic teachings, and its inner secrets.”

Context

O Irreproachable one! O Mahadeva! if you are pleased with me, make me an expert in Dhanurveda, the science of archery with all it secrets, angas (branches), upangas (sub-divisions) and Upanishads.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Mahādeva (Śiva)
• Dhanurveda

FAQs

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

The verse frames power as knowledge with responsibility: true mastery of weapons is not merely technique but includes disciplined understanding—‘secrets’ and teachings that imply ethical restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra formally requests comprehensive instruction in Dhanurveda from Śiva as a boon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Aspiration for complete mastery through legitimate means (seeking instruction/blessing rather than taking by force).