Shloka 1.66.10

शिवधनुर्न्यासकथा तथा सीतोत्पत्तिविवाहशुल्क-निश्चयः (The Bow of Śiva: Its Deposit, Sītā’s Origin, and the Prowess-Brideprice Vow)

Devanagari script

यस्माद्भागार्थिनो भागान्नाकल्पयत मे सुरा:।वराङ्गाणि महार्हाणि धनुषा शातयामि व:।।1.66.10।।

Transliteration

yasmād bhāgārthino bhāgān nākalpayata me surāḥ |

varāṅgāṇi mahārhāṇi dhanuṣā śātayāmi vaḥ ||

Translation

“Since you gods—though eager for your own shares—did not allot me my due portion in the sacrificial offerings, I shall cut down your precious, beautiful limbs with this bow!”

Context

'O gods! in your anxiety to partake your share of the sacrifie, you have failed to provide mine in the sacrificial offerings. Therefore, I shall sever your jewelled heads and beautiful limbs with this bow'.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Devas
• Bow (dhanuḥ)

FAQs

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

The verse dramatizes dharma under strain: the claim to a rightful sacrificial share (ritual justice) is asserted, but it is entangled with anger—showing how even a legitimate grievance can become adharmic when expressed as violent threat.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra, feeling denied his due portion in a sacrifice, confronts the gods and threatens to strike them with his bow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Intensity of resolve (tejas) is foregrounded, while also warning that unchecked wrath can distort dharma into coercion.