द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark
Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12
प्रविष्टश्च मुहूर्तेन धरां भित्त्वा महाजवः।निष्पत्य च पुनस्तूर्णं स्वतूणीं प्रविवेश ह4.12.4।।
praviṣṭaś ca muhūrtena dharāṃ bhittvā mahājavaḥ |
niṣpatya ca punas tūrṇaṃ svatūṇīṃ praviveśa ha ||
ମହାବେଗଶାଳୀ ସେ ଶର ମୁହୂର୍ତ୍ତମାତ୍ରେ ପୃଥିବୀକୁ ଭେଦି ଭିତରକୁ ପ୍ରବେଶ କଲା; ପୁନଃ ତୁରନ୍ତ ବାହାରି ଆସି, ଶୀଘ୍ର ନିଜ ତୂଣୀରେ ପୁନର୍ବାର ପ୍ରବେଶ କଲା।
In a moment the arrow emerged from the earth which it pierced and re-entered the quiver with great speed.
Dharma here supports righteous action through verified capability: Rāma’s power is shown as reliable, enabling him to uphold his promise to protect Sugrīva.
During the proof of strength episode, the arrow completes an extraordinary feat—piercing and re-emerging—signaling Rāma’s unmatched martial skill.
Rāma’s competence and controlled power—strength governed by purpose rather than display.