Shloka 6
Purukutsa’s Rasātala Victory; Triśaṅku and Hariścandra; Rohita and Śunaḥśepha
तस्य सत्यव्रत: पुत्रस्त्रिशङ्कुरिति विश्रुत: । प्राप्तश्चाण्डालतां शापाद् गुरो: कौशिकतेजसा ॥ ५ ॥ सशरीरो गत: स्वर्गमद्यापि दिवि दृश्यते । पातितोऽवाक् शिरा देवैस्तेनैव स्तम्भितो बलात् ॥ ६ ॥
tasya satyavrataḥ putras triśaṅkur iti viśrutaḥ prāptaś cāṇḍālatāṁ śāpād guroḥ kauśika-tejasā
Tribandhana’s son was Satyavrata, renowned as Triśaṅku. By his guru’s curse he fell to the state of a caṇḍāla; yet by the ascetic might of Kauśika (Viśvāmitra) he ascended to heaven in his very body. The devas cast him down, but Viśvāmitra’s power held him so he did not fall completely; even today he is seen hanging in the sky, head downward.
FAQs
This verse states that Triśaṅku ascended to heaven in the same body and is still visible in the sky, indicating the extraordinary effect of Viśvāmitra’s spiritual power.
Because Triśaṅku’s ascent was against their acceptance of who was fit for heaven; they attempted to expel him, but Viśvāmitra’s potency stopped them.
Actions and words—especially involving teachers and authority—carry consequences, and spiritual discipline (tejas) has real power; therefore one should act with humility, self-control, and respect for dharma.