Shloka 1.38.14

सगरस्य पुत्रलाभः — Sagara’s Boons, Progeny, and the Rise of the Sixty Thousand

Devanagari script

षष्ठिं पुत्रसहस्राणि सुपर्णभगिनी तदा।महोत्साहान् कीर्तिमतो जग्राह सुमति: सुतान्।।।।

Transliteration

ṣaṣṭiṃ putra-sahasrāṇi suparṇa-bhaginī tadā | mahotsāhān kīrtimato jagrāha sumatiḥ sutān || 1.38.14 ||

Translation

Then Sumatī, sister of Suparṇa (Garuḍa), chose as her boon sixty thousand sons—renowned and filled with mighty enterprise.

Context

Then, Sumati (the other wife) sister of Suparna (Garuda) obtained the boon of sixty thousand sons endowed with fame and great perseverance.

Characters & Entities

• Sumatī
• Suparṇa (Garuḍa)
• Sagara (implied context)
• Sixty thousand sons (Sagara-putrāḥ)

FAQs

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

Choices shape destiny: Dharma teaching here is that boons and desires, once chosen, unfold into far-reaching narrative consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumatī selects the alternative boon—many sons—setting up the later famous episode of Sagara’s sixty thousand sons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ambition and aspiration: the preference for many famed, energetic sons highlights a drive for expansive power and renown.