Shloka 1.51.1

शतानन्दोपदेशः — Śatānanda’s Welcome to Rāma and the Prelude to Viśvāmitra’s History

Devanagari script

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा विश्वामित्रस्य धीमत:।हृष्टरोमा महातेजाश्शतानन्दो महातपा:।।।।गौतमस्य सुतो ज्येष्ठस्तपसा द्योतितप्रभ:।रामसन्दर्शनादेव परं विस्मयमागत:।।।।

Transliteration

tasya tad-vacanaṁ śrutvā viśvāmitrasya dhīmataḥ | hṛṣṭa-romā mahā-tejāḥ śatānando mahā-tapāḥ || gautamasya suto jyeṣṭhas tapasā dyotita-prabhaḥ | rāma-sandarśanād eva paraṁ vismayam āgataḥ ||

Translation

Hearing the words of the wise Viśvāmitra, Śatānanda—Gautama’s eldest son, a great ascetic radiant through austerity—was thrilled, and on seeing Rāma himself he was seized with profound wonder.

Context

Satananda the eldest son of Gautama, a great sage who looked brilliant with the power of austerities was thrilled to hear the words of Viswamitra the intellectual and experienced great astonishment on beholding Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Śatānanda
• Gautama
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The verse highlights dharma as reverence for spiritual excellence: wisdom (dhī) and austerity (tapas) are honored, and the sight of a dharmic hero (Rāma) evokes transformative awe.

What is the narrative situation?

Śatānanda hears Viśvāmitra’s words and, recognizing the significance of the visit, reacts with spiritual excitement and amazement upon beholding Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śatānanda’s spiritual sensitivity—his capacity to recognize greatness (in Viśvāmitra’s wisdom and in Rāma’s presence) and respond with sincere wonder.