Shloka 46
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
न भयाद् वासवस्यापि धर्म जहां महाव्रत । प्रसीद मा वा यद् वा ते कार्य तत् कुरु मा चिरम्
na bhayād vāsavasyāpi dharmaṁ jahāṁ mahāvrata | prasīda mā vā yad vā te kārya tat kuru mā ciram ||
O great vow-holder! Even out of fear of Vāsava (Indra) I will not abandon dharma. Whether you are pleased or not, do whatever you intend to do—do it without delay.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is not to be surrendered under intimidation—even fear of the king of gods is not a valid reason to forsake righteousness. The verse highlights steadfast ethical resolve and refusal to compromise principles for safety or favor.
Rāma addresses an ascetic described as 'mahāvrata' and declares that he will not abandon dharma even if threatened by Indra. He then challenges the other party to carry out whatever action they intend, without delay—signaling readiness to face consequences rather than yield morally.