Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 27, Shloka 18
अस्त्रप्रदानम्
Bestowal of Divine Astras to Rama
तामसं नरशार्दूल सौमनं च महाबल।संवर्धं चैव दुर्धर्षं मौसलं च नृपात्मज।।1.27.17।।सत्यमस्त्रं महाबाहो तथा मायाधरं परम्।घोरं तेजः प्रभं नाम परतेजोऽपकर्षणम्।।1.27.18।।सौम्यास्त्रं शिशिरं नाम त्वष्टुरस्त्रं सुदामनम्।दारुणं च भगस्यापि शितेषु मथ मानवम्।।1.27.19।।
satyam astraṃ mahābāho tathā māyādharaṃ param |
ghoraṃ tejaḥprabhaṃ nāma paratejo ’pakarṣaṇam ||
At, O malakas ang bisig, tanggapin mo rin ang Satya-astra at ang kataas-taasang Māyādhara-astra; at ang kakila-kilabot na sandatang tinatawag na Tejaḥprabha, na umaagaw sa kapangyarihan ng kalaban.
O tiger among men mighty prince, accept tamasa and saumanaastras, the unassailable, samavardha weapon, mausala, satyaastra, the supreme mayadhara astra, the terrible tejaprabhaastra capable of removing the energy of the opponent, a soft weapon called sisira, supremely formidable twashtus astra, Bhaga's terrible shiteshuastra (sharp arrowed one) and manava astra.
FAQs
The naming of Satya-astra highlights that true power in the Ramayana is ideally aligned with truth and right order; even martial strength is to be governed by Satya and disciplined intent.
Viśvāmitra continues enumerating and transmitting specific astras to Rāma, describing their distinctive functions.
Rāma’s preparedness to receive power responsibly under guidance—strength that remains subordinate to ethical restraint.