Shloka 1.76.23

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

Devanagari script

ततो वितिमिरास्सर्वा दिशश्चोपदिशस्तथा।सुरा स्सर्षिगणा रामं प्रशशंसुरुदायुधम्।।।।

Transliteration

śaram apratimaṁ rāma moktum arhasi suvrata | śaramokṣe gamiṣyāmi mahendraṁ parvatottamam ||

Translation

O Rāma of steadfast vows, this arrow is unmatched; it is fitting that you release it. Once the arrow is discharged, I shall depart to Mahendra, the best of mountains.

Context

Thereafter all the quarters including the intermediaries were cleared of darkness. Hosts of sages and gods extolled Rama when he wielded the bow.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Paraśurāma (speaker—implied)
• arrow (śara)
• Mahendra mountain

FAQs

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

When superiority is established, dharma may require withdrawal from conflict; Paraśurāma accepts the consequence and chooses a restrained exit rather than prolonging hostility.

What is the narrative situation?

Paraśurāma invites Rāma to release the arrow and states he will then leave for Mahendra mountain.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Detachment and acceptance—he yields and prepares to depart, acknowledging the new moral and power hierarchy.