Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 22, Shloka 29
सागरप्रशमनम् / The Pacification of the Ocean and the Building of Nala’s Bridge
तमब्रवीत्तदारामःउद्यतोहिनदीपते ।अमोघोऽयंमहाबाणःकस्मिन् देशेनिपात्यताम् ।।।।
tam abravīt tadā rāmaḥ udyato hi nadīpate | amogho ’yaṃ mahābāṇaḥ kasmin deśe nipātyatām ||
Then Rāma said, poised to act: “O lord of rivers (Ocean), since this mighty arrow has been set in motion and cannot fail—upon what land should it be made to fall?”
Then Rama said, "O abode of Varuna, listen to me. In which location should I allow this unfailing mighty arrow to descend?"
FAQs
Even when power is justified, dharma demands restraint and proper targeting. Rāma seeks a lawful outlet so force does not become indiscriminate harm.
Rāma has prepared a devastating, unfailing arrow against the Ocean; once the Ocean yields, Rāma asks where the arrow should be redirected.
Measured justice: Rāma controls anger and converts threat into accountable action by asking for a suitable target.