Shloka 1.66.9

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

Devanagari script

दक्षयज्ञवधे पूर्वं धनुरायम्य वीर्यवान्।रुद्रस्तु त्रिदशान् रोषात्सलीलमिदमब्रवीत्।।1.66.9।।

Transliteration

dakṣayajñavadhē pūrvaṃ dhanur āyamya vīryavān | rudras tu tridaśān roṣāt salīlam idam abravīt || 1.66.9 ||

Translation

Formerly, at the destruction of Dakṣa’s sacrifice, mighty Rudra drew up the bow; angered, he spoke these words to the gods—yet with a dreadful, playful edge.

Context

Earlier at the time of destruction of Daksha's sacrifice, Rudra endowed with greatprowess lifted this bow sportively and spoke to the gods.

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Viśvāmitra
• Rudra (Śiva)
• Dakṣa
• Dakṣa-yajña
• Tridaśa (the gods)
• the bow (Śiva-dhanus / Pināka)

FAQs

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

The verse recalls how violations of sacred order (yajña-dharma) invite consequences; divine power responds when righteousness and honor are transgressed.

What is the narrative situation?

Janaka continues the bow’s backstory by linking it to Rudra’s act during the Dakṣa-sacrifice episode.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rudra’s uncompromising guardianship of cosmic order—his fierce energy functions as protection of dharma.