Shloka 1.67.17

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

Devanagari script

आरोपयित्वा धर्मात्मा पूरयामास तद्धनु:।तद्बभञ्ज धनुर्मध्ये नरश्रेष्ठो महायशा:।।।।

Transliteration

āropayitvā dharmātmā pūrayāmāsa tad dhanuḥ | tad babhañja dhanur madhye naraśreṣṭho mahāyaśāḥ ||

Translation

Having strung it, righteous Rāma drew the bow to its full bend; and that best of men, of great renown, broke it apart at the middle.

Context

Rama, the best among men, righteous and famous lifted the bow. Stringing it with a twang he drew it and broke it into two in the middle.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Śiva-dhanus (the great bow)

FAQs

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

Dharma as rightful achievement: the feat is not mere display, but the fulfillment of a lawful condition tied to Janaka’s truthful vow.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma completes the trial by drawing the bow; it snaps in the middle, proving unmatched prowess.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Heroic excellence (vīrya) guided by righteousness—strength that serves a just purpose.