Shloka 1.75.13

जामदग्न्य-रामसंवादः — Parashurama Confronts Rama with the Vaishnava Bow

Devanagari script

इदं द्वितीयं दुर्धर्षं विष्णोर्दत्तं सुरोत्तमै:।तदिदं वैष्णवं राम धनु: परमभास्वरम्।समानसारं काकुत्स्थ रौद्रेण धनुषा त्विदम्।।।।

Transliteration

idaṃ dvitīyaṃ durdharṣaṃ viṣṇor dattaṃ surottamaiḥ | tad idaṃ vaiṣṇavaṃ rāma dhanuḥ paramabhāsvaram | samānasāraṃ kākutstha raudreṇa dhanuṣā tv idam || 1.75.13 ||

Translation

This second bow is unassailable, given to Viṣṇu by the foremost of the gods. O Rāma! This radiant Vaiṣṇava bow is equal in power to the bow of Rudra, O Kākutstha.

Context

This second bow which is unassailable was given by chief of the celestials to Visnu. O Rama! born in the race of Kakutstha! this highly radiant bow of Visnu is as strong as the bow of Siva.

Characters & Entities

• Viṣṇu
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Rudra/Śiva
• Vaiṣṇava bow
• Raudra bow
• Surottamas (chief gods)

FAQs

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

Dharma warns that power must be contextualised: even supreme strength is to be measured, compared, and ultimately governed by rightful intent rather than pride.

What is the narrative situation?

Paraśurāma reveals a second, Viṣṇu-associated bow and asserts its parity with Śiva’s bow, setting up a direct test involving Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Paraśurāma’s authoritative knowledge of divine lore, used to frame a challenge as a matter of cosmic legitimacy.