Shloka 1.67.14

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

Devanagari script

इदं धनुर्वरं ब्रह्मन् संस्पृशामीह पाणिना।यत्नवांश्च भविष्यामि तोलने पूरणेऽपि वा।।।।

Transliteration

idaṃ dhanurvaraṃ brahman saṃspṛśāmīha pāṇinā | yatnavāṃś ca bhaviṣyāmi tolane pūraṇe 'pi vā || 1.67.14 ||

Translation

“O revered Brahman, may I touch this excellent bow with my hand? I will exert myself—whether in lifting it or even in stringing it.”

Context

"O Brahmarshi, shall I touch this great bow with my hands lift and string it".

Characters & Entities

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

FAQs

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

Dharma as disciplined power: even when capable, Rāma seeks permission and frames his action as effort in service of the rightful test, aligning strength with humility and truthfulness.

What is the narrative situation?

After seeing the bow, Rāma addresses Viśvāmitra and asks about touching and attempting to lift/string it.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s humility and self-control—strength is shown as governed by respect for the guru and the court’s order.