Shloka 1.67.1

शिवधनुर्दर्शनं—रामेण धनुर्भङ्गश्च (The Showing of Śiva’s Bow and Rama’s Breaking of It)

Devanagari script

.जनकस्य वचश्श्रुत्वा विश्वामित्रो महामुनि: ।धनुर्दर्शय रामाय इति होवाच पार्थिवम्।।।।

Transliteration

janakasya vacaḥ śrutvā viśvāmitro mahāmuniḥ | dhanur darśaya rāmāya iti hovāca pārthivam || 1.67.1 ||

Translation

Hearing Janaka’s words, the great sage Viśvāmitra said to the king: “Show the bow to Rāma.”

Context

At the words of Janaka, great ascetic Viswamitra said to the king, "Let the bow be shown to Rama".

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Janaka
• Rāma
• the bow (Śiva-dhanus / Pināka)

FAQs

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

Dharma of rightful testing: a guru directs the proper unfolding of events, ensuring that power and worth are revealed through sanctioned means rather than impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

After Janaka’s explanation begins, Viśvāmitra formally asks that the bow be presented to Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s discernment and leadership—he steers the courtly process with authority and purpose.