Shloka 1.51.16

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

Devanagari script

श्रूयतां चाभिधास्यामि कौशिकस्य महात्मन:।यथा बलं यथा वृत्तं तन्मे निगदत: श्रुणु।।।।

Transliteration

śrūyatāṁ cābhidhāsyāmi kauśikasya mahātmanaḥ | yathā balaṁ yathā vṛttaṁ tan me nigadataḥ śṛṇu ||

Translation

“Now listen: I shall tell of the great-souled son of Kuśika—his power and the course of his life. Hear as I relate it.”

Context

I shall tell you about the power and achievement of the magnanimous son of Kushika Viswamitra. Listen!

Characters & Entities

• Śatānanda
• Rāma
• Viśvāmitra (Kauśika)

FAQs

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

Dharma is learned through itihāsa: hearing exemplary lives teaches how power should be disciplined and transformed into spiritual authority.

What is the narrative situation?

Śatānanda begins a formal narration to Rāma about Viśvāmitra’s background, setting up the forthcoming account of his rise from kingship to Brahmarṣihood.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śatānanda’s pedagogical duty—transmitting history accurately so the listener gains right understanding (satya-informed instruction).