बालकाण्ड ५६: विश्वामित्र–वसिष्ठ अस्त्रसंघर्षः
Visvamitra and Vasistha: Contest of Divine Weapons
ब्रह्मास्त्रं ग्रसमानस्य वसिष्ठस्य महात्मन:।त्रैलोक्यमोहनं रौद्रं रूपमासीत्सुदारुणम्।।।।
brahmāstraṃ grasamānasya vasiṣṭhasya mahātmanaḥ | trailokyamohanaṃ raudraṃ rūpam āsīt sudāruṇam || 1.56.17 ||
ब्रह्मास्त्र को ग्रसते हुए महात्मा वसिष्ठ का रूप रौद्र और अत्यन्त दारुण हो उठा, जो तीनों लोकों को मोहित-स्तब्ध कर देने वाला था।
From every pore of the great Vasishta's body flames resembling rays of light with smoke emerged.
Dharma can appear fearsome when it restrains adharma: the terrifying form symbolizes the grave seriousness of protecting the world from misuse of ultimate weapons.
During the neutralization of the Brahmāstra, Vasiṣṭha manifests an intense, awe-inspiring form.
Protective severity: Vasiṣṭha’s capacity to assume formidable power for the sake of restoring balance.