Shloka 1.23.3

कामाश्रम-प्रवेशः / Entry into Kāma’s Hermitage at the Sarayū–Gaṅgā Confluence

Devanagari script

तस्यर्षे: परमोदारं वचश्श्रुत्वा नृपात्मजौ ।स्नात्वा कृतोदकौ वीरौ जेपतु: परमं जपम्।।।।

Transliteration

tatrāśramapadaṃ puṇyam ṛṣīṇām agryatejasām |

bahuvarṣasahasrāṇi tapyatāṃ paramaṃ tapaḥ ||

Translation

There they saw a sacred hermitage-ground of seers of foremost spiritual radiance, who for many thousands of years had been practicing the highest austerity.

Context

On hearing the very affectionate call of Viswamitra both the brave princes had their bath and offered oblations to Sun-god (standing in the water) and recited the holy name of the Lord.

Characters & Entities

• Āśrama (hermitage-site)
• Ṛṣis (ascetics/seers)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through tapas—long, steady self-restraint and inner discipline that sustains sacred spaces and spiritual authority.

What is the narrative situation?

The travelers encounter an ancient hermitage where powerful sages have practiced austerities for ages.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for ascetic effort and recognition of spiritual merit (tejas) earned by endurance.