Shloka 1.53.20

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

Devanagari script

नानावर्णविभक्तानां वयस्स्थानां तथैव च ।ददाम्येकां गवां कोटिं शबला दीयतां मम।।1.53.20।।

Transliteration

nānāvarṇavibhaktānāṁ vayassthānāṁ tathaiva ca | dadāmy ekāṁ gavāṁ koṭiṁ śabalā dīyatāṁ mama || 1.53.20 ||

Translation

I shall give one crore of cows—young and distinguished by many colors. Let Śabalā be given to me.

Context

I shall give one crore young cows of various colours. Give me Sabala.

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā
• Cows (go/gavām)

FAQs

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

Dharma cautions against coveting what belongs to another, even when one can offer enormous compensation; rightful possession and moral limits matter more than price.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra proposes an extreme exchange—one crore cows—in order to obtain Śabalā from Vasiṣṭha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse foregrounds intensity of desire and royal confidence, serving as a foil for Vasiṣṭha’s unwavering truthfulness and non-attachment to bargains.