Mahabharata — Ashvamedhika Parva, Shloka 10
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 ||
ਤਦ ਅਮਿਤ ਤੇਜ ਵਾਲੇ ਰਾਮ ਦਾ ਤੇਜ ਭੜਕ ਉਠਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਵੈਰੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਸੈਨਾਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਾੜਨ ਲੱਗ ਪਿਆ। ਉਸ ਵੇਲੇ, ਹੇ ਕਮਲ-ਨੇਤ੍ਰੀ, ਉਸ ਦੀ ਕਾਂਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡ ਰੂਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਹੋਈ।
समुद्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
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.