Witness the epic battle between Vasishta and Viswamitra, as divine weapons clash and Brahmic power triumphs. A tale of pride, humility, and the quest for true strength. 

Vasishta's Victory over Viswamitra (Shlokas 1.56.1 - 1.56.24)

The Confrontation Begins (1.56.1 - 1.56.4)

The air crackled with tension as Vasishta and Viswamitra faced each other. In response to Vasishta's words, the mighty Viswamitra raised the Agneya astra (a powerful fire weapon) and commanded, "Stay, stay!" Not to be outdone, the venerable Vasishta lifted his Brahmadanda (the staff of Brahma, symbolizing supreme spiritual power), which resembled the terrifying rod of death. His anger palpable, Vasishta declared:

"O wicked Kshatriya (member of the warrior class), I stand before you. Show me the full extent of your strength. Now, I will destroy your pride and render your weapons useless, O son of Gadhi. How can your Kshatriya might compare to the great power of Brahma? Behold my divine Brahmabala (the energy of Brahma), O meanest among Kshatriyas!"

The Battle of Weapons (1.56.5 - 1.56.12)

With a swift motion, Vasishta's Brahmadanda extinguished the dreadful Agneya astra released by Viswamitra, just as water extinguishes fire. Enraged by this display of power, Viswamitra unleashed a barrage of powerful weapons:

• Varuna (water), Raudra (storm), Aindra (lightning), and Pasupata (destruction) weapons

• Manava (human), Mohana (bewildering), Gandharva (celestial), and Swapana (sleep-inducing) weapons

• Jrimbhana (yawning), Madana (intoxicating), Santapana (burning), and Vilapana (wailing) weapons

• Soshana (desiccating), Darana (splitting), and the formidable Vajra astra (thunderbolt weapon)

• Brahma, Kala (time), and Varuna pasas (nooses)

• Painaka (Shiva's bow), Daita (demon), wet and dry Ashani (thunderbolts)

• Danda (punishment), Paisacha (ghostly), and Krauncha (piercing) weapons

• Dharma chakra (wheel of righteousness), Kala chakra (wheel of time), and Vishnu chakra (discus of Vishnu)

• Vayavya (wind weapon), Mathana (churning weapon), and Hayashira (horse-head) weapon

• Kankala (skeleton), Musala (pestle), and two Shakti (power) weapons

• Vaidyadhara (celestial physician's weapon), Mahastra (great weapon), and the fearsome Kalastra (weapon of time)

• Trishula (trident), Kapala (skull), and Kankana (bracelet) weapons

Viswamitra discharged all these weapons against Vasishta, the best among ascetics, creating an awe-inspiring and terrifying scene.

Vasishta's Supreme Power (1.56.13 - 1.56.19)

Remarkably, Vasishta, son of Brahma, swallowed all these weapons with his staff, neutralizing their power. When these weapons proved ineffective, Viswamitra, in a final desperate act, employed the Brahmastra (the ultimate weapon of Brahma). The mere sight of the raised Brahmastra caused panic among the gods led by Agni (the fire god), divine sages, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), and great serpents. As the Brahmastra was discharged, its power was so great that all three worlds were plunged into distress.

However, Vasishta, possessing the unparalleled energy of Brahma, astonishingly swallowed even this dreadful Brahmastra entirely with his Brahmadanda. As Vasishta absorbed the Brahmastra, his form transformed, becoming fierce and terrible, causing the three worlds to tremble in awe. Flames with smoke emerged from every pore of Vasishta's body, resembling rays of intense light. The Brahmadanda in Vasishta's hand blazed like the all-consuming fire at the end of the world's dissolution, resembling another rod of death itself.

The Aftermath (1.56.20 - 1.56.24)

Witnessing this unparalleled display of power, hosts of sages, their voices filled with reverence and awe, praised Vasishta:

"O Brahmin, your energy is truly infallible. Hold your energy by your energy, lest it destroy everything. O great ascetic, you have successfully controlled Viswamitra. O best of ascetics, be pleased with this victory and let the worlds be delivered from their distress."

Hearing these words of praise, the brilliant ascetic Vasishta calmed himself, his form returning to normal. The humiliated Viswamitra, his pride shattered, heaved a deep sigh and said:

"Shame on the might of a Kshatriya! I now see that the energy of a Brahmin is the true power. With a single Brahmadanda, all my weapons were defeated. Having realized this profound truth, I shall undertake intense penance to attain Brahminhood, with a clear mind and focused senses."

Thus ends the Fifty Sixth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.