Shloka 1.57.17

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

Devanagari script

शरणं व: प्रपद्येऽहं शरण्यान् शरणागत:।प्रत्याख्यातोऽस्मि भद्रं वो वसिष्ठेन महात्मना।।1.57.17।।

Transliteration

śaraṇaṃ vaḥ prapadye ’haṃ śaraṇyān śaraṇāgataḥ |

pratyākhyāto ’smi bhadraṃ vo vasiṣṭhena mahātmanā || 1.57.17 ||

Translation

To you I come for refuge, O you who are the refuge of those who seek shelter. Blessings upon you. I have been turned away by the great-souled Vasiṣṭha.

Context

O protectors of those who seek refuge in you, protect me. Wish you well. I have been refused by the great Vasishta.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Vasiṣṭha

FAQs

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

The dharma of offering protection to a refuge-seeker (śaraṇāgata) is invoked; the speaker appeals to the moral duty of those regarded as protectors to respond with compassion and guidance.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra, having been refused by Vasiṣṭha, approaches Vasiṣṭha’s sons and declares his act of taking refuge in them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and supplication: Viśvāmitra adopts the posture of a seeker of refuge rather than asserting royal power.