Shloka 1.54.20

शबलाहरणम् — The Attempted Seizure of Sabalā (Kāmadhenu) and the Triumph of Brahmic Power

Devanagari script

विश्वामित्रार्दितान् दृष्ट्वा पप्लवाञ्छतशस्तदा।भूय एवासृजत्कोपाच्छकान् यवनमिश्रितान्।।।।

Transliteration

viśvāmitrārditān dṛṣṭvā paplavān śataśas tadā | bhūya evāsṛjat kopāc chakān yavanamiśritān ||

Translation

Seeing the Paplavas in the hundreds being crushed by Viśvāmitra, she again—out of anger—created the Śakas, mingled with the Yavanas.

Context

Having seen hundreds of Paplavas crushed by Viswamitra, once again she created out of anger. Sakas mixed with Yavanas.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Paplavas
• Śakas
• Yavanas
• Śabalā (implied as creator)

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates how conflict can spiral when met with retaliatory anger; dharma ideally seeks restraint, yet also acknowledges the need to protect the righteous when attacked.

What is the narrative situation?

After Viśvāmitra destroys the Paplavas, Śabalā responds by creating additional warrior-groups identified as Śakas mixed with Yavanas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protective resolve (though expressed through anger): a determination to defend Vasiṣṭha’s dharmic domain against aggression.