Shloka 10
Kārtavīrya–Samudra Saṃvāda and the Jāmadagnya Precedent (आश्वमेधिक पर्व, अध्याय २९)
ततस्तेज: प्रजज्वाल रामस्यामिततेजस: । प्रदहन् रिपुसैन्यानि तदा कमललोचने
tatastejaḥ prajajvāla rāmasyāmitatejasaḥ | pradahan ripusainyāni tadā kamalalocane ||
तब अमित तेजस्वी राम का तेज प्रज्वलित हो उठा और उसने शत्रु की सेनाओं को दग्ध करना आरम्भ कर दिया। उस समय, हे कमल-नेत्रे! उनका प्रकाश प्रचण्ड हो उठा।
समुद्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights tejas—inner and divine potency—as a moral force: when aligned with dharma, it becomes irresistible and can subdue hostile, unrighteous opposition. Power is portrayed not merely as violence, but as radiance that protects and restores order.
Samudra describes a moment when Rāma’s immense radiance suddenly blazes up and scorches the enemy forces. The address “O lotus-eyed one” marks this as a vivid report to a revered listener, emphasizing the dramatic turning point created by Rāma’s unleashed tejas.