Shloka 1.75.19

जामदग्न्य-रामसंवादः — Parashurama Confronts Rama with the Vaishnava Bow

Devanagari script

जृम्भितं तद्धनुर्द्रृष्ट्वा शैवं विष्णुपराक्रमै:।अधिकं मेनिरे विष्णुं देवा स्सर्षिगणास्तदा ।।।।

Transliteration

jṛmbhitaṃ tad dhanur dṛṣṭvā śaivaṃ viṣṇu-parākramaiḥ |

adhikaṃ menire viṣṇuṃ devāḥ sarṣigaṇās tadā ||

Translation

Seeing that Śiva’s bow had been made to strain by Viṣṇu’s prowess, the gods and the companies of sages then regarded Viṣṇu as the greater.

Context

Now that the bow of Siva was made inert by Visnu's prowess, hosts of sages and gods acknowlged Visnu as superior.

Characters & Entities

• Viṣṇu
• Śiva
• Śiva’s bow (Śaiva-dhanuḥ)
• Devas
• Ṛṣis

FAQs

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

Dharma acknowledges rightful excellence when demonstrated through controlled power; recognition follows evidence, not mere claim.

What is the narrative situation?

The assembly witnesses the outcome of the divine contest involving the bow and concludes that Viṣṇu’s might prevailed in that moment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka): gods and sages assess events and form a judgment based on what is seen.