Shloka 1.56.21

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

Devanagari script

निगृहीतस्त्वया ब्रह्मन् विश्वामित्रो महातपा:।प्रसीद जपतां श्रेष्ठ लोकास्सन्तु गतव्यथा:।।।।

Transliteration

kva ca te kṣatriyabalaṃ kva ca brahmabalaṃ mahat |

paśya brahmabalaṃ divyaṃ mama kṣatriyapāṃsana ||

Translation

“Where is your kṣatriya strength, and where is the great power of Brahman? Behold my divine brahma-power, O lowest among kṣatriyas.”

Context

'O Brahman! great ascetic Viswamitra was controlled by you. O Best of ascetics! bepleased and let the worlds be delivered from distress'.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Viśvāmitra
• Brahmabala

FAQs

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

Dharma elevates inner discipline (tapas and brahma-tejas) above dominance through violence; true authority is rooted in restraint and righteousness.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha asserts the superiority of brahma-power over warrior force as the duel escalates.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The supremacy of ascetic discipline (tapas) as a moral and spiritual power, not merely a display of force.