Shloka 5.48.10

इन्द्रजित्प्रेषणम्—ब्रह्मास्त्रबन्धः, हनूमद्ग्रहणं, रावणसभाप्रवेशः (Indrajit’s Deployment—Brahmāstra Binding, Hanuman’s Capture, Entry into Ravana’s Court)

Devanagari script

बलावमर्थस्तयि सन्निकृष्टे यथा गते शाम्यति शान्तशत्रौ।तथा समीक्ष्यात्मबलं परं च समारभस्वास्त्रविदां वरिष्ठ।।।।

Transliteration

balāvamarthaḥ tvayi sannikṛṣṭe yathā gate śāmyati śāntaśatrau | tathā samīkṣyātmabalaṃ paraṃ ca samārabhasvāstravidāṃ variṣṭha ||

Translation

O foremost among the masters of missiles, when you close in, gauge the enemy’s strength so that he is subdued without further devastation. Having weighed your own power and that of the foe, then begin the fight.

Context

"O warrior of extraordinary merit among the wielders of astras ! asses your strength approach the enemy in a manner by which he is subdued without causing further destruction to our army. Carefully measure your own strength and your enemy's before you start fighting.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Indrajit (Meghanāda)
• astras (divine missiles/weapons)

FAQs

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

Measured use of force: a warrior should assess strength and act so the threat is subdued without needless destruction—an aspect of rājadharma (responsible governance in war).

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa commissions Indrajit to confront Hanumān and advises him to proceed strategically after assessing relative strength.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and strategic restraint—victory sought through discernment rather than reckless escalation.