Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 54, Shloka 1
शबलाहरणम्
The Attempted Seizure of Sabalā (Kāmadhenu) and the Triumph of Brahmic Power
कामधेनुं वसिष्ठोऽपि यदा न त्यज्यते मुनि:।तदास्य शबलां राम विश्वामित्रोऽन्वकर्षत।।।।
kāmadhenuṃ vasiṣṭho 'pi yadā na tyajyate muniḥ |
tadā asya śabalāṃ rāma viśvāmitro 'nvakarṣata || 1.54.1 ||
Wahai Rāma, apabila resi Vasiṣṭha tidak mahu melepaskan lembu pengabul hajat itu, maka Viśvāmitra pun menyeret Śabalā pergi dengan paksa.
"O Rama! when sage Vasishta did not consent to part with the wish-fulfilling cow, Viswamitra dragged Sabala by force.
FAQs
It condemns coercion: taking by force what is not rightfully given violates dharma, even if done by a king.
After refusal, Viśvāmitra escalates from request to force, initiating open conflict.
Vasiṣṭha’s steadfastness in protecting rightful possession; Viśvāmitra’s lack of restraint is exposed.