Shloka 5.38.30

अभिज्ञानप्रदानम् — The Token of Recognition (Chūḍāmaṇi) and the Crow Episode Recalled

Devanagari script

स दर्भं संस्तराद्गृह्य ब्राह्मेणास्त्रेण योजयत्।।5.38.30।।स दीप्त इव कालाग्निर्जज्वालाभिमुखो द्विजम्।

Transliteration

sa darbhaṃ saṃstarād gṛhya brāhmeṇāstreṇa yojayat || 5.38.30 ||

sa dīpta iva kālāgnir jajvālābhimukho dvijam |

Translation

Taking a blade of darbha grass from his mat, he empowered it with the Brahmā-weapon; blazing like the fire of death, it flared forth, aimed at the bird.

Context

'Taking out a blade of darbha grass from your mat, you invoked the weapon of Brahma by reciting the mantra. Then you discharged it which blazed like the fire of death and went spear-heading towards the crow.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• darbha grass
• Brahmāstra (brāhmāstra)
• bird (dvija)
• kālāgni (fire of death/time)

FAQs

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

Power must be applied with moral intent: sacred force is invoked not for vanity but to restrain cruelty and protect the harmed.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma prepares a Brahmāstra-charged darbha to punish or stop the crow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Competent guardianship—Rāma uses disciplined, sanctioned power rather than uncontrolled retaliation.