Shloka 1.56.2

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

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मदण्डं समुत्क्षिप्य कालदण्डमिवाऽपरम्।वसिष्ठो भगवान् क्रोधादिदं वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

prājvalad brahmadaṇḍaś ca vasiṣṭhasya karodyataḥ | vidhūma iva kālāgnir yamadaṇḍa ivāparaḥ || 1.56.19 ||

Translation

And the Brahma-staff, raised in Vasiṣṭha’s hand, blazed forth—like the smokeless fire of the final dissolution, like another rod of Yama.

Context

Venerable Vasishta, in fury lifted the Brahmadanda which was like another rod of death. And spoke these words:

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Brahmadaṇḍa
• Kālāgni (fire of dissolution)
• Yama
• Yamadaṇḍa

FAQs

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

Dharma includes just restraint and moral ‘judgment’: the staff is likened to forces of cosmic judgment (Kālāgni/Yama), signifying that spiritual authority can decisively end adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

The narration intensifies the scene by describing the Brahmadaṇḍa’s blaze as Vasiṣṭha counters the Brahmāstra.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral authority backed by tapas—power that is legitimized by righteousness and spiritual attainment.