Valmiki Ramayana 1.67.14: Bala Kanda, Sarga 67, Shloka 14
शिवधनुर्दर्शनं · रामेण धनुर्भङ्गश्च
The Showing of Śiva’s Bow and Rama’s Breaking of It
इदं धनुर्वरं ब्रह्मन् संस्पृशामीह पाणिना ।
यत्नवांश्च भविष्यामि तोलने पूरणेऽपि वा ॥१४॥
idaṃ dhanurvaraṃ brahman saṃspṛśāmīha pāṇinā |
yatnavāṃś ca bhaviṣyāmi tolane pūraṇe 'pi vā ||14||
राम ने कहा, मैं इस धनुक को हाथ लगाऊँ? मैं पूरी कोशिश करूँगा, उठाऊँ या चाल भी लगाऊँ।
"O Brahmarshi, shall I touch this great bow with my hands lift and string it".
FAQs
Dharma as disciplined power: even when capable, Rāma seeks permission and frames his action as effort in service of the rightful test, aligning strength with humility and truthfulness.
After seeing the bow, Rāma addresses Viśvāmitra and asks about touching and attempting to lift/string it.
Rāma’s humility and self-control—strength is shown as governed by respect for the guru and the court’s order.
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