Shloka 1.53.14

शबलाप्रार्थना–वसिष्ठप्रतिज्ञा (The Request for Śabalā and Vasiṣṭha’s Refusal)

Devanagari script

स्वाहाकारवषट्कारौ विद्याश्च विविधा स्तथा।आयत्तमत्र राजर्षे सर्वमेतन्न संशय:।।1.53.14।।

Transliteration

svāhākāravaṣaṭkārau vidyāś ca vividhās tathā | āyattam atra rājarṣe sarvam etan na saṃśayaḥ ||

Translation

O royal sage, the ‘svāhā’ and ‘vaṣaṭ’ invocations, and the various disciplines of knowledge as well—indeed all of this depends here upon her; of that there is no doubt.

Context

O Royal saint! swaha and vashat and various branches of learning are all dependent on this cow. No doubt about it.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Viśvāmitra
• Śabalā
• Svāhā
• Vaṣaṭ
• Vidyā

FAQs

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

Reverence for sacred foundations: mantric speech and learning are treated as dharmic supports, not instruments to be seized by force.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha reinforces the indispensability of Śabalā by linking her to ritual formulae and the functioning of sacred knowledge.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Clarity and authority in teaching: Vasiṣṭha argues from principle and tradition, not from fear or bargaining.