Shloka 1.54.7

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

Devanagari script

भगवन् किं परित्यक्ता त्वयाऽहं ब्रह्मणस्सुत।यस्माद्राजभृता मां हि नयन्ते त्वत्सकाशत:।।।।

Transliteration

bhagavan kiṃ parityaktā tvayā 'haṃ brahmaṇas suta | yasmād rājabhṛtā māṃ hi nayante tvatsakāśataḥ ||

Translation

“Venerable one, O son of Brahmā—have you abandoned me? Why are the king’s servants taking me away from your very presence?”

Context

"O Brahma's son! O Venerable one! you have abandoned me? For what reason the servants of the king are taking me away from you"?

Characters & Entities

• Śabalā
• Vasiṣṭha
• Brahmā
• king’s servants (rājabhṛta)

FAQs

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

A protector’s Dharma is to safeguard dependents from unjust seizure. Śabalā appeals to the moral duty inherent in Vasiṣṭha’s sanctity and status.

What is the narrative situation?

Śabalā directly questions Vasiṣṭha as she is being taken away by royal attendants.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Frankness and trust: she speaks openly to her guardian, assuming the primacy of Dharma over royal force.