Shloka 1.76.14

बालकाण्डे षट्सप्ततितमः सर्गः — Rāma Subdues Paraśurāma; the Vaiṣṇava Arrow Is Discharged

Devanagari script

सोऽहं गुरुवच: कुर्वन् पृथिव्यां न वसे निशाम्।कृता प्रतिज्ञा काकुत्स्थ कृता भू: काश्यपस्य हि।।।।

Transliteration

so ’haṃ guruvacaḥ kurvan pṛthivyāṃ na vase niśām | kṛtā pratijñā kākutstha kṛtā bhūḥ kāśyapasya hi ||

Translation

Thus, obeying my teacher’s word, O Kakutstha, I do not dwell upon the earth at night; a vow was made, for indeed the earth has been made Kāśyapa’s.

Context

O Descendant of Kakustha! having gifted this earth to Kasyapa, I promised him that I would not live here, during night time. For the earth belongs to him.

Characters & Entities

• Paraśurāma
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Kāśyapa
• Earth (pṛthivī/bhū)

FAQs

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

Keeping vows and honoring the guru’s command: dharma is shown as fidelity to one’s word (satya) even when personally inconvenient.

What is the narrative situation?

Paraśurāma clarifies the practical implication of Kāśyapa’s instruction: he avoids residing on earth at night.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pratijñā-pālana (vow-keeping) and guru-bhakti (respectful obedience to the teacher).