Shloka 1.76.6

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

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणोऽसीति पूज्यो मे विश्वामित्रकृतेन च।तस्माच्छक्तो न ते राम मोक्तुं प्राणहरं शरम्।।।।

Transliteration

brāhmaṇo ’sīti pūjyo me viśvāmitra-kṛtena ca |

tasmāc chakto na te rāma moktuṃ prāṇa-haraṃ śaram ||

Translation

Because you are a brahmana, and also because of your connection with Visvamitra, you are worthy of my reverence. Therefore, O Rama, I am not able to release this life-taking arrow against you.

Context

"You are a brahmin, O Parasurama. You are also related to Viswamitra. Hence you are worthy of homage. I cannot, therefore, release this against you to take your life.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Dāśarathi)
• Paraśurāma (Bhārgava Rāma)
• Viśvāmitra
• śara (arrow)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is self-restraint: even when possessing the power to kill, Rāma refuses to use deadly force against one who is a brāhmaṇa and worthy of honor, showing that righteousness governs strength.

What is the narrative situation?

After Paraśurāma confronts Rāma, Rāma has taken up a divine weapon; yet he declares he will not release a life-taking arrow against Paraśurāma due to dharmic considerations.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Maryādā (ethical boundaries) and kṣamā/saṃyama (forbearance and restraint) in the exercise of power.