Shloka 266
Baka Dālbhya at Avakīrṇa-tīrtha: Rāṣṭra-kṣaya and Release through Prasāda (Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 40)
तेजसा भास्कराकारो गाधिज: समपद्यत । तदनन्तर महान प्रयत्नके द्वारा नाना प्रकारकी तपस्या करके गाधिनन्दन विश्वामित्र अपने तेजसे सूर्यके समान प्रकाशित होने लगे
tejasā bhāskarākāro gādhijaḥ samapadyata |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: By the power of his austerities, Gādhi’s son (Viśvāmitra) attained a radiance like the Sun. Thereafter, through great and sustained effort—undertaking many kinds of tapas—he shone forth with solar brilliance.
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sustained tapas (disciplined austerity) generates tejas—an inner potency that can elevate a person’s stature and capability. The verse highlights ethical perseverance: greatness is achieved through effort and self-mastery rather than mere birth or status.
The narrator describes Viśvāmitra (Gādhi’s son) becoming sun-like in radiance due to his austerities, and then continuing with intense, varied practices, shining ever more brilliantly—signaling his growing spiritual attainment and authority.