Vishnu's Bow Moves of Its Own Accord toward Ram
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 281
Doha 284 · Movement 1 of 2
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God, demon, king, warrior, or Death itself may challenge a Raghu, and battle will be met without fear. A Kshatriya who shrinks from combat stains his lineage. Ram speaks of nature, not to praise his clan.
The deeper greatness belongs to Brahmins: even those who terrify the world stand without menace before them. These mild yet profound words lift a veil from Parashurama's understanding.
He offers Vishnu's bow and asks Ram to draw it, so the remaining doubt may end. As the weapon is extended, it passes of its own accord into Ram's hands. No contest of strength is needed. The bow recognizes what the sage has not fully recognized, and wonder enters Parashurama before knowledge receives a name.
Vishnu's bow crosses the space by itself, revealing its Lord before Parashurama can speak.
Read the passage from the Manas
देव दनुज भूपति भट नाना। समबल अधिक होउ बलवाना।। जौं रन हमहि पचारै कोऊ। लरहिं सुखेन कालु किन होऊ।। छत्रिय तनु धरि समर सकाना। कुल कलंकु तेहिं पावँर आना।। कहउँ सुभाउ न कुलहि प्रसंसी। कालहु डरहिं न रन रघुबंसी।। बिप्रबंस कै असि प्रभुताई। अभय होइ जो तुम्हहि डेराई।। सुनु मृदु गूढ़ बचन रघुपति के। उघरे पटल परसुधर मति के।। राम रमापति कर धनु लेहू। खैंचहु मिटै मोर संदेहू।। देत चापु आपुहिं चलि गयऊ। परसुराम मन बिसमय भयऊ।।
Gods, demons, kings, and warriors of every kind, whether equal in strength or even mightier. Should anyone challenge us in battle, we fight with ease, let death itself come if it will. One born in a Kshatriya body who shrinks from battle brings disgrace upon his entire lineage. I speak of our nature, not in praise of our clan. The sons of Raghu do not fear even Death on the battlefield. Such is the greatness of the Brahmin lineage that even one who terrifies all others finds himself without fear before You. Hear the gentle yet profound words of the Lord of the Raghus. The veil upon Parashurama's understanding was lifted. Parashurama said: O Rama, take this bow of Vishnu into Your hands. Draw it, and my doubt shall be removed. As he offered the bow, it moved of its own accord toward Rama. Wonder filled Parashurama's heart.