Shloka 1.56.16

बालकाण्ड ५६: विश्वामित्र–वसिष्ठ अस्त्रसंघर्षः (Visvamitra and Vasistha: Contest of Divine Weapons)

Devanagari script

तदप्यस्त्रं महाघोरं ब्रह्मं ब्राह्मेण तेजसा ।वसिष्ठो ग्रसते सर्वं ब्रह्मदण्डेन राघव।।।।

Transliteration

trailokyam āsīt santaptaṃ brahmāstre samudīrite || 1.56.15 ||

Translation

When the Brahmāstra was released, the three worlds were scorched with anguish.

Context

O Descendant of Raghu! Vasishta who possessed the energy of Brahma swallowed that very dreadful Brahmastra entirely with the help of Brahmadanda.

Characters & Entities

• Brahmāstra
• Trailokya (three worlds)

FAQs

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

Dharma demands proportionality: actions that harm the entire world-order are inherently suspect unless compelled by the highest necessity; the verse foregrounds collective suffering as an ethical warning.

What is the narrative situation?

The Brahmāstra is actually discharged, and its cosmic heat/terror spreads across all realms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is responsibility—true greatness is the capacity to refrain from world-harming force.