Shloka 1.48.1

अहल्याशापवर्णनम् (The Account of Ahalyā’s Curse and the Deserted Hermitage near Mithilā)

Devanagari script

पृष्ट्वा तु कुशलं तत्र परस्परसमागमे।कथान्ते सुमतिर्वाक्यं व्याजहार महामुनिम्।।।।

Transliteration

pṛṣṭvā tu kuśalaṃ tatra parasparasamāgame | kathānte sumatir vākyaṃ vyājahāra mahāmunim ||

Translation

There, after their mutual meeting and inquiries about one another’s well-being, at the close of the conversation Sumati spoke these words to the great sage.

Context

Getting together they enquired one another's health. And then Sumati spoke to the great ascetic (Viswamitra).

Characters & Entities

• Sumati
• Vishvamitra

FAQs

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

Dharmic conduct in conversation: greeting, asking welfare, and speaking at the proper time to a worthy person reflects social and spiritual propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

A new chapter begins: after courteous exchanges, Sumati addresses Viśvāmitra, signaling a transition to the next request or topic.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courtesy and restraint—speech is framed by concern for others’ well-being and respectful timing.