Shloka 1.57.10

विश्वामित्रस्य दक्षिणतपः तथा त्रिशङ्कोः स्वशरीरेण स्वर्गगमनाभिलाषः (Visvamitra’s Southern Austerity and Trisanku’s Bodily Ascent Aspiration)

Devanagari script

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु सत्यवादी जितेन्द्रिय:।त्रिशङ्कुरिति विख्यात इक्ष्वाकुकुलवर्धन:।।1.57.10।।

Transliteration

etasminn eva kāle tu satyavādī jitendriyaḥ |

triśaṅkur iti vikhyāta ikṣvākukulavardhanaḥ || 1.57.10 ||

Translation

At that very time there was a renowned king named Triśaṅku, an enhancer of the Ikṣvāku line—truthful in speech and self-restrained.

Context

At this time there lived a celebrated king, renowned in the Ikshvakus race, named Trisanku, who was truthful and self restrained.

Characters & Entities

• Triśaṅku
• Ikṣvāku dynasty

FAQs

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

Rājadharma is rooted in satya (truthfulness) and indriya-nigraha (sense-control); these qualities legitimize kingship as moral leadership, not merely political power.

What is the narrative situation?

The narrative introduces King Triśaṅku, setting the stage for the Triśaṅku episode that will intersect with the wider theme of tapas and divine ascent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and self-restraint—traits presented as foundational virtues of an ideal ruler.