Shloka 1.57.12

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

Devanagari script

स वसिष्ठं समाहूय कथयामास चिन्तितम्।अशक्यमिति चाप्युक्तो वसिष्ठेन महात्मना।।1.57.12।।

Transliteration

sa vasiṣṭhaṃ samāhūya kathayāmāsa cintitam |

aśakyam iti cāpy ukto vasiṣṭhena mahātmanā || 1.57.12 ||

Translation

He summoned Vasiṣṭha and told him what he had resolved; but the great-souled Vasiṣṭha replied that it was not possible.

Context

Summoning Vasishta he (Trisahnku) communicated his intention, but the great Vasishta said it was not possible.

Characters & Entities

• Triśaṅku
• Vasiṣṭha

FAQs

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

Dharma includes accepting wise refusal: a guru’s ‘no’ can reflect fidelity to śāstra and cosmic order, not lack of compassion.

What is the narrative situation?

Triśaṅku approaches his royal priest Vasiṣṭha with his plan; Vasiṣṭha rejects it as unfeasible.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s integrity—he does not endorse a rite that violates proper limits, even for a king.