Shloka 1.55.1

कामधेनुसैन्यप्रादुर्भावः — Kamadhenu’s Forces, Visvamitra’s Austerities, and Vasishta’s Wrath

Devanagari script

ततस्तानाकुलान् दृष्ट्वा विश्वामित्रास्त्रमोहितान्।वसिष्ठश्चोदयामास कामधुक् सृज योगत:।।1.55.1।।

Transliteration

tatastān ākulān dṛṣṭvā viśvāmitrāstramohitān | vasiṣṭhaś codayāmāsa kāmadhuk sṛja yogataḥ || 1.55.1 ||

Translation

Then Vasiṣṭha, seeing them distressed and bewildered by Viśvāmitra’s weapons, urged Kāmadhenu: “By your yogic power, bring forth additional forces.”

Context

Thereafter, Vasishta having seen the forces tortured and overpowered by the weapons of Viswamitra said, "O Kamadhenu! create additional forces through your yogic power."

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Viśvāmitra
• Kāmadhenu

FAQs

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

Dharma here is protective responsibility: Vasiṣṭha responds to harm done to his side by taking lawful, proportionate action to safeguard those under his care, using spiritual means without abandoning restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra’s weapons have thrown Vasiṣṭha’s forces into confusion; Vasiṣṭha therefore commands Kāmadhenu to generate additional defenders through yogic power.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s steadiness and guardianship—calm authority in crisis, deploying power for protection rather than for ego.