Shloka 3.11.17

पञ्चाप्सरो-सरः कथनम् तथा अगस्त्याश्रममार्गनिर्देशः (Panchapsara Lake Account and Directions to Agastya)

Devanagari script

ताश्चैवाप्सरसः पञ्च मुनेः पत्नीत्वमागताः।।।।तटाके निर्मितं तासामस्मिन्नन्तर्हितं गृहम्।

Transliteration

tāś caivāpsarasaḥ pañca muneḥ patnītvam āgatāḥ |

taṭāke nirmitaṃ tāsām asminn antarhitaṃ gṛham ||

Translation

Those five apsarases indeed attained the state of wives of the sage; and for them, within that lake, a dwelling had been built—hidden from sight.

Context

The five apsaras, got the status of wives to the sage who built them an invisible home inside the lake.

Characters & Entities

• apsarasaḥ (apsarases)
• muni (sage)
• taṭāka (lake/pond)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse highlights a fall from ascetic dharma into domestic attachment under temptation, reminding that life-stages (āśramas) demand integrity and clarity of purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

After the sage is overcome, the apsarases become his wives and a concealed residence is established in a lake.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is steadfastness to one’s vow (vrata) and chosen discipline; the episode shows its erosion through indulgence.