Shloka 1.56.3

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

Devanagari script

क्षत्रबन्धो स्थितोस्म्येष यद्बलं तद्विदर्शय।नाशयाम्यद्य ते दर्पं शस्त्रस्य तव गाधिज।।।।

Transliteration

tato ’stuvan munigaṇā vasiṣṭhaṃ japatāṃ varam |

amoghaṃ te balaṃ brahman tejo dhāraya tejasā ||

Translation

Then the gathered sages praised Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among those devoted to japa, saying: “O Brahmin, your power is unfailing—hold your radiance in check by your own radiance.”

Context

"O wicked kshatriya! O son of Gadhi! here I stand. Show me your strength and the pride of your arms. I will destroy them now.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Munigaṇa
• Japa

FAQs

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

Even rightful power must be governed by self-restraint; Dharma values control of one’s own tejas to prevent harm to the world.

What is the narrative situation?

After the conflict, sages intervene and urge Vasiṣṭha to restrain his spiritual energy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣānti and self-mastery—power that can destroy is praised most when it can also be restrained.