Shloka 1.51.18

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

Devanagari script

प्रजापतिसुतश्चासीत्कुशो नाम महीपति:।कुशस्य पुत्रो बलवान् कुशनाभस्सुधार्मिक:।।।।

Transliteration

prajāpatisutaś cāsīt kuśo nāma mahīpatiḥ |

kuśasya putro balavān kuśanābhaḥ sudhārmikaḥ ||

Translation

There was a king named Kuśa, a son of Prajāpati. Kuśa’s son was Kuśanābha—mighty in strength and steadfast in righteousness.

Context

There was a king named Kusa who was the son of Brahma. His son was Kusanabha who was supremely righteous and strong.

Characters & Entities

• Prajāpati
• Kuśa
• Kuśanābha

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds rajadharma: true kingship is measured not only by power (bala) but by steadfast righteousness (su-dhārmikatva).

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra begins recounting his royal-ancestral line, starting from Kuśa and Kuśanābha, as part of a broader backstory.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kuśanābha’s virtue is dharmic steadfastness—strength governed by righteousness rather than mere conquest.