Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 75, Shloka 4
जामदग्न्य
रामसंवादः — Parashurama Confronts Rama with the Vaishnava Bow
तदहं ते बलं दृष्ट्वा धनुषोऽस्य प्रपूरणे।द्वन्द्वयुद्धं प्रदास्यामि वीर्यश्लाघ्यस्य राघव।।।।
tad ahaṃ te balaṃ dṛṣṭvā dhanuṣo ’sya prapūraṇe | dvandvayuddhaṃ pradāsyāmi vīryaślāghyasya rāghava ||
हे राघव! इस धनुष को पूर्णतः चढ़ाने और सज्ज करने में तुम्हारा बल देखकर, मैं तुम्हें द्वन्द्व-युद्ध दूँगा; क्योंकि तुम पराक्रम-प्रशंसनीय हो।
O Rama! after witnessing your strength in stretching and stringing this bow, I shall engage you in a duel acclaiming your prowess".
FAQs
Dharma of fair challenge: a confrontation is justified only after verifying capability and maintaining a code of honor.
Paraśurāma declares he will fight only if Rāma can successfully ready the formidable bow.
Merit-based respect: even an adversary acknowledges valor when it is truly demonstrated.