Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 48, Shloka 2
इन्द्रजित्प्रेषणम्—ब्रह्मास्त्रबन्धः, हनूमद्ग्रहणं, रावणसभाप्रवेशः
Indrajit’s Deployment—Brahmāstra Binding, Hanuman’s Capture, Entry into Ravana’s Court
त्वमस्त्रविच्छस्त्रविदां वरिष्ठस्सुरासुराणामपि शोकदाता।सुरेषु सेन्द्रेषु च दृष्टकर्मा पितामहाराधनसञ्चितास्त्रः।।।।
tvam astravic chastravidāṃ variṣṭhaḥ surāsurāṇām api śokadātā | sureṣu sendreṣu ca dṛṣṭakarmā pitāmahārādhanasañcitāstraḥ ||
Engkau ialah mahaguru dalam astra, dan yang terunggul antara para ahli senjata. Engkau telah menimpakan dukacita bahkan kepada para dewa dan asura. Keperkasaanmu telah terbukti di medan perang, sekalipun melawan para dewa yang dipimpin Indra; dan dengan memuja Pitāmaha, Brahmā, engkau telah menghimpun simpanan astra yang dahsyat.
"You are an expert in wielding astras (missiles) and foremost among the wielders of weapons. You are highly efficient. You have brought grief even to suras and asuras. You are a warrior of proven ability demonstrated in your war against the gods including Indra. By propitiating, (through penance), grandfather Brahma you have acquired many missiles.
FAQs
Power and acquired weapons are ethically neutral; Dharma depends on how such power is used. The verse implicitly warns that prowess gained through tapas or divine favor must be restrained by righteousness, otherwise it becomes a cause of suffering.
As Indrajit prepares to engage Hanuman, he asserts his martial superiority—claiming mastery of astras and a proven record even against the gods—framing the imminent duel.
Martial competence and confidence (kṣātra-tejas) are emphasized, though the tone also highlights the peril of pride when strength is not governed by Dharma.