Shloka 1.76.7

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

Devanagari script

इमां पादगतिं राम तपोबलसमार्जिताम्।लोकानप्रतिमान्वा ते हनिष्यामि यदिच्छसि ।।।।

Transliteration

imāṃ pāda-gatiṃ rāma tapo-bala-samārjitām |

lokān apratimān vā te haniṣyāmi yadi icchasi ||

Translation

But I will not let this Vaishnava power be wasted: I shall destroy either your capacity to move onward earned by ascetic power, or the incomparable worlds you have gained—tell me which you choose.

Context

I shall destroy your mobility, O Parasurama! or the higher worlds earned through your matchless asceteic energy. Tell me which one you choose.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Dāśarathi)
• Paraśurāma
• tapas (austerity)
• lokāḥ (worlds/realms)

FAQs

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

Dharma is proportionality: Rāma refuses lethal harm yet insists that a divine weapon must not be rendered futile; the consequence is redirected into a non-lethal but decisive curbing of pride and power.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma holds a divine missile that cannot be wasted; he offers Paraśurāma a choice regarding what should be nullified—his movement/initiative or his ascetically earned heavenly attainments.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viveka (discernment) and niyama (controlled action): power is applied with ethical limits.