Shloka 1.75.28

जामदग्न्य-रामसंवादः — Parashurama Confronts Rama with the Vaishnava Bow

Devanagari script

योजयस्व धनुश्श्रेष्ठे शरं परपुरञ्जयम्।यदि शक्नोषि काकुत्स्थ द्वन्द्वं दास्यामि ते तत:।।।।

Transliteration

yojayasva dhanuśśreṣṭhe śaraṃ parapurañjayam | yadi śaknoṣi kākutstha dvandvaṃ dāsyāmi te tataḥ ||

Translation

Set upon this finest bow an arrow that can conquer the enemy’s strongholds; if you can do so, O Kākutstha, then I shall meet you in single combat.

Context

O Descendant of Kakustha! this best bow is capable of conquering enemy cities. Fix an arrow. If it is possible for you to do so, then I shall engage you in a duel".ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē pañcasaptatitamassarga: ৷৷Thus ends the seventyfifth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kākutstha (Rāma’s lineage epithet)
• Paraśurāma
• Vaiṣṇava bow
• Arrow (śara)

FAQs

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

Dharma as regulated valor: combat is framed as a formal, capability-based test rather than impulsive violence.

What is the narrative situation?

Paraśurāma sets a condition: if Rāma can string/ready the Vaiṣṇava bow with a powerful arrow, Paraśurāma will fight him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣātra-tejas (martial splendor) under discipline—strength proven through skill and composure.