Shloka 1.56.6

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

Devanagari script

वारुणं चैव रौद्रं च ऐन्द्रं पाशुपतं तथा।ऐषीकं चापि चिक्षेप कुपितो गाधिनन्दन:।।।।

Transliteration

dhig balaṃ kṣatriyabalaṃ brahmatejo balaṃ balam |

ekena brahmadaṇḍena sarvāstrāṇi hatāni me ||

Translation

Fie upon the strength called kṣatriya might! Brahmin splendor alone is true strength. By a single Brahma-staff all my weapons have been destroyed.

Context

The incensed son of Gadhi employed varuna, raudra, aindra, pasupata and aishika weapons.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Brahmatejas
• Brahmadaṇḍa

FAQs

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

True strength is moral-spiritual discipline, not domination; Dharma redefines power as inner mastery rather than external weaponry.

What is the narrative situation?

After his astras fail, Viśvāmitra acknowledges the supremacy of Vasiṣṭha’s brahma-tejas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility born of insight—Viśvāmitra recognizes a higher standard of power and begins a transformative resolve.