Shloka 1.53.17

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

Devanagari script

हैरण्यकक्ष्याग्रैवेयान् सुवर्णाङ्कुशभूषितान्।ददामि कुञ्जरांस्तेषां सहस्राणि चतुर्दश।।1.53.17।।

Transliteration

hairaṇyakakṣyāgraiveyān suvarṇāṅkuśabhūṣitān | dadāmi kuñjarāṁs teṣāṁ sahasrāṇi caturdaśa || 1.53.17 ||

Translation

I shall bestow upon them fourteen thousand elephants, fitted with golden girths and neck-ornaments, and adorned with goads of gold.

Context

"I shall give fourteen thousand elephants with gold trappings around the neck and girth, and with goads made of gold.

Characters & Entities

• Elephants (kuñjara)
• Golden goad (aṅkuśa)
• Golden trappings (hairaṇya-kakṣyā, graiveya)

FAQs

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

Material inducements are presented as a means to obtain what one desires; the dharmic tension is that wealth and force should not override rightful ownership and moral restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra attempts to persuade Vasiṣṭha to part with the wish-fulfilling cow Śabalā by offering vast royal gifts, beginning with richly adorned elephants.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s royal munificence and power are highlighted—yet implicitly contrasted with the higher value of spiritual integrity that Vasiṣṭha will uphold.