Shloka 1.54.3

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

Devanagari script

परित्यक्ता वसिष्ठेन किमहं सुमहात्मना।याहं राजभटैर्दीना ह्रियेय भृशदु:खिता।।।।

Transliteration

parityaktā vasiṣṭhena kim ahaṃ sumahātmanā | yāhaṃ rājabhaṭair dīnā hriyeya bhṛśaduḥkhitā ||

Translation

“Have I been abandoned by the great-souled Vasiṣṭha—I who, pitiable and deeply distressed, am being carried off by the king’s attendants?”

Context

"I am being carried away by attendants of the king in this greatly distressed and pitiable condition. Have I been abandoned by the magnanimous Vasishta?

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā
• Vasiṣṭha
• king’s attendants (rājabhaṭa)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes the duty of protection and non-abandonment of those who have taken refuge (śaraṇāgata). Śabalā’s grief frames the moral wound caused by coercion.

What is the narrative situation?

Śabalā is being forcibly taken by the king’s men and wonders whether Vasiṣṭha has forsaken her.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śabalā’s fidelity and trust in her protector are highlighted, along with her appeal to righteous guardianship.