Shloka 1.53.18

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

Devanagari script

हैरण्यानां रथानां च श्वेताश्वानां चतुर्युजाम्।ददामि ते शतान्यष्टौ किङ्किणीकविभूषितान्।।1.53.18।।

Transliteration

hairaṇyānāṁ rathānāṁ ca śvetāśvānāṁ caturyujām | dadāmi te śatāny aṣṭau kiṅkiṇīkavibhūṣitān || 1.53.18 ||

Translation

And I shall give you eight hundred golden chariots, ornamented with tinkling bells, each yoked with four white horses.

Context

I shall give you eight hundred chariots made of gold and decorated with small tinkling bells, each chariot yoked with four white horses.

Characters & Entities

• Chariots (ratha)
• White horses (śvetāśva)
• Tinkling bells (kiṅkiṇī)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates the limits of wealth as a moral instrument: lavish gifts can be offered, but dharma requires that what is not rightfully obtainable should not be sought through inducement.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra escalates his offer—now chariots and horses—to secure Śabalā from Vasiṣṭha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Royal generosity and capability are foregrounded, setting up the later lesson that spiritual treasures are not commensurable with worldly riches.