Shloka 1.56.18

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

Devanagari script

रोमकूपेषु सर्वेषु वसिष्ठस्य महात्मन:।मरीच्य इव निष्पेतुरग्नेर्धूमाकुलार्चिष:।।।।

Transliteration

brahmāstraṃ grasamānasya vasiṣṭhasya mahātmanaḥ | trailokyamohanaṃ raudraṃ rūpam āsīt sudāruṇam || 1.56.17 ||

Translation

As the great-souled Vasiṣṭha swallowed the Brahmāstra, his form became fiercely terrible—so overpowering that it stunned the three worlds.

Context

From every pore of the great Vasishta's body flames resembling rays of light with smoke emerged.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Brahmāstra
• Trailokya

FAQs

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

Dharma can appear fearsome when it restrains adharma: the terrifying form symbolizes the grave seriousness of protecting the world from misuse of ultimate weapons.

What is the narrative situation?

During the neutralization of the Brahmāstra, Vasiṣṭha manifests an intense, awe-inspiring form.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective severity: Vasiṣṭha’s capacity to assume formidable power for the sake of restoring balance.