Shloka 1.75.12

जामदग्न्य-रामसंवादः — Parashurama Confronts Rama with the Vaishnava Bow

Devanagari script

अतिसृष्टं सुरैरेकं त्र्यम्बकाय युयुत्सवे।त्रिपुरघ्नं नरश्रेष्ठ भग्नं काकुत्स्थ यत्त्वया।।।।

Transliteration

atisṛṣṭaṃ surair ekaṃ tryambakāya yuyutsave | tripuraghnaṃ naraśreṣṭha bhagnaṃ kākutstha yat tvayā || 1.75.12 ||

Translation

O best of men, O Kākutstha! One of these bows—the Tripura-slayer—was bestowed by the gods upon the three-eyed Śiva when he sought battle; it is that bow which you have broken.

Context

O Best among men! O Descendant of Kakustha! one of these broken by you, was given by the gods to the three-eyed Siva, who, wishing to fight the demon Tripura with this bow, destroyed him.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Śiva (Tryambaka, Śitikaṇṭha implied later)
• Devas (gods)
• Tripura
• Śiva’s bow (commonly identified with Pināka in tradition)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires recognising the sanctity and intended purpose of divine gifts; breaking such an object is not trivial and invites moral inquiry into worthiness and consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Paraśurāma identifies the bow Rāma broke as Śiva’s famed divine bow, heightening the seriousness of the encounter.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s extraordinary capability—he has performed an act connected to a weapon of cosmic renown, implying exceptional destiny and strength.