Shloka 50
सागरप्रशमनम् / The Pacification of the Ocean and the Building of Nala’s Bridge
मममातुर्वरोदत्तोमन्दरेविश्वकर्मणा ।औरसस्तस्यपुत्रोऽहंसदृशोविश्वकर्मणा ।।6.22.49।।नचाप्यहमनुक्तोवःप्रब्रूयामात्मनोगुणान् ।समर्थश्चाप्यहंसेतुंकर्तुंवैवरुणालये ।।6.22.50।।स्मारितोऽस्म्यहमेतेनतत्त्वमहामहोदधिः ।काममद्वैवबध्नन्तुसेतुंवानरपुङ्गवाः ।।6.22.51।।
na cāpy aham anukto vaḥ prabrūyām ātmano guṇān | samarthaś cāpy ahaṃ setuṃ kartuṃ vai varuṇālaye ||
「問われぬかぎり、我が長所を自ら語ることはしない。だが私は、ヴァルナの住処に橋を架ける力を十分に備えている。」
Rama proceeded to stretch the mighty bow that resembled the rod of punishment of Brahma energized by Brahma and released that best of bows.
FAQs
Dharma balances humility and duty: one should not boast, yet must step forward when responsibility calls and ability is present.
Nala clarifies he does not self-advertise, but confirms his capability to execute the bridge-building task.
Humility (amānitva) together with readiness to serve—quiet confidence without vanity.