Shloka 1.54.9

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

Devanagari script

न त्वां त्यजामि शबले नापि मेऽपकृतं त्वया।एष त्वां नयते राजा बलोन्मत्तो महाबल:।।।।

Transliteration

na tvāṃ tyajāmi śabale nāpi me 'pakṛtaṃ tvayā | eṣa tvāṃ nayate rājā balonmatto mahābalaḥ ||

Translation

“I do not abandon you, O Śabalā; you have done me no wrong. It is this mighty king—intoxicated with power—who is taking you away by force.”

Context

"O Sabala! I am not forsaking you. You have done me no harm. This highly powerful king is forcibly carrying you away from me.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Śabalā
• king (Viśvāmitra, implied by context)

FAQs

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

Truthful clarification and faithful protection are duties of the righteous. Vasiṣṭha affirms he will not forsake the innocent and identifies coercion as a lapse from Dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha reassures Śabalā and explains that the king is forcibly taking her, driven by power-pride.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya (truthfulness) and steadfast guardianship—Vasiṣṭha refuses to shift blame onto the innocent and names the ethical fault: power without restraint.