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 ||
Kemudian menyala-nyalalah tenaga berapi Rāma—yang sinarnya tiada terukur—lalu membakar bala tentera musuh. Pada saat itu, wahai yang bermata bak teratai, cahaya baginda tampil sebagai kuasa yang menundukkan penentangan yang zalim.
समुद्र उवाच
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.