Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 55, Shloka 10
कामधेनुसैन्यप्रादुर्भावः
Kamadhenu’s Forces, Visvamitra’s Austerities, and Vasishta’s Wrath
हतपुत्रबलो दीनो लूनपक्ष इव द्विज:।हतदर्पो हतोत्साहो निर्वेदं समपद्यत।।1.55.10।।
hataputrabalo dīno lūnapakṣa iva dvijaḥ | hatadarpo hatotsāho nirvedaṃ samapadyata || 1.55.10 ||
Ses fils et son armée abattus, misérable tel un oiseau aux ailes rognées, l’orgueil brisé et l’élan éteint, Viśvāmitra tomba dans le désespoir.
Having lost his sons and the army, like a bird with wings clipped, wretched, with pride vanished and confidence shattered Viswamitra fell into despondency.
FAQs
The verse highlights the ethical consequence of adharma rooted in arrogance: when power is pursued for conquest rather than righteousness, its collapse brings inner ruin and remorse.
After suffering defeat and heavy loss, Viśvāmitra’s emotional state shifts from aggression to despondency.
A negative lesson is emphasized: the danger of darpa (pride). The implied virtue is humility and disciplined purpose.