Shloka 1.67.15

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

Devanagari script

बाढमित्येव तं राजा मुनिश्च समभाषत।लीलया स धनुर्मध्ये जग्राह वचनान्मुने:।।।

Transliteration

bāḍham ity eva taṃ rājā muniś ca samabhāṣata | līlayā sa dhanur madhye jagrāha vacanān muneḥ ||

Translation

The king, and the sage as well, replied, “So be it.” Then, at the sage’s word, Rāma grasped the bow at its middle with effortless ease.

Context

The king as also the rishi said "Be it so". At the words of the sage (Viswamitra), he (Rama) took hold of the bow by the its middle with ease:

Characters & Entities

• Janaka
• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• Śiva-dhanus (the great bow)

FAQs

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

Dharma as rightful consent and orderly conduct: elders (the king and the sage) sanction the act, and Rāma proceeds only after receiving their assent.

What is the narrative situation?

At Janaka’s court, after permission is granted, Rāma begins the trial by taking up the famed bow at Viśvāmitra’s prompting.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s disciplined strength under guidance—power exercised within propriety and instruction, not impulsively.