Shloka 1.76.20

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

Devanagari script

शरमप्रतिमं राम मोक्तुमर्हसि सुव्रत।शरमोक्षे गमिष्यामि महेन्द्रं पर्वतोत्तमम्।।।।

Transliteration

ity uktvā rāghavaḥ kruddho bhārgavasya śarāsanam | śaraṁ ca pratijagrāha hastāl laghuparākramaḥ ||

Translation

Having spoken thus, Rāghava—angered and swift in action—seized from Bhārgava’s hand both the bow and the arrow.

Context

You are faithful to vows O Rama! This arrow has no equal in prowess. It behoves of you to release it against me. After its release I shall go to the excellent Mahendra mountain".

Characters & Entities

• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Bhārgava (Paraśurāma)
• bow (śarāsana)
• arrow (śara)

FAQs

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

Legitimate force is employed to restrain arrogance and prevent harm; dharma sometimes requires decisive action to stop escalation.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma physically takes Paraśurāma’s bow and arrow, signaling dominance and ending the immediate threat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Promptness and competence—acting swiftly to neutralize danger while maintaining a larger moral purpose.