Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 21
Paraśurāma, Kārtavīryārjuna, and the Kāmadhenu Offense
with Lunar-line Genealogy to Gādhi and Jamadagni
विप्लावितं स्वशिबिरं प्रतिस्रोत:सरिज्जलै: । नामृष्यत् तस्य तद् वीर्यं वीरमानी दशानन: ॥ २१ ॥
viplāvitaṁ sva-śibiraṁ pratisrotaḥ-sarij-jalaiḥ nāmṛṣyat tasya tad vīryaṁ vīramānī daśānanaḥ
Ao fazer a água correr contra a corrente, o acampamento de Rāvaṇa foi inundado; Rāvaṇa de dez cabeças, que se julgava grande herói, não suportou o poder de Kārtavīryārjuna.
Rāvaṇa was out touring to gain victory over all other countries ( dig-vijaya ), and he had camped on the bank of the Narmadā River near the city of Māhiṣmatī.
FAQs
It indicates that Rāvaṇa, being proud of his own strength, became upset when he saw his opponent’s power—symbolized by the flooding of his camp—because his ego could not accept being challenged.
The verse highlights a key trait of his character: valor mixed with arrogance. His identity as a “great hero” becomes a source of intolerance and anger when someone else’s prowess appears superior.
When pride is wounded, we react with resentment instead of reflection. Cultivating humility and self-control helps one respond to challenges without anger or envy.