Shloka 1.75.3

जामदग्न्य-रामसंवादः — Parashurama Confronts Rama with the Vaishnava Bow

Devanagari script

तदिदं घोरसङ्काशं जामदग्न्यं महद्धनु:।पूरयस्व शरेणैव स्वबलं दर्शयस्व च।।।।

Transliteration

tad idaṃ ghorasaṅkāśaṃ jāmadagnyaṃ mahad dhanuḥ | pūrayasva śareṇaiva svabalaṃ darśayasva ca ||

Translation

Here is that mighty bow of Jāmadagni’s line, dreadful in appearance—set it with an arrow and display your own strength.

Context

This mighty, dreadful bow was obtained through Jamadagni. You may display your prowess by fixing on it an arrow.

Characters & Entities

• Paraśurāma (Jāmadagnya)
• Rāma
• Bow (dhanus)
• Arrow (śara)

FAQs

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

Power must be proven responsibly: dharma demands that claims of strength be tested through skill and restraint, not mere assertion.

What is the narrative situation?

Paraśurāma presents his formidable bow and demands that Rāma ready it with an arrow to demonstrate capability.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śaurya (heroic valor) expressed as controlled competence.