Shloka 1.57.18

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

Devanagari script

यष्टुकामो महायज्ञं तदनुज्ञातुमर्हथ।गुरुपुत्रानहं सर्वान्नमस्कृत्य प्रसादये।।1.57.18।।

Transliteration

yaṣṭukāmo mahāyajñaṃ tad anujñātum arhatha |

guruputrān ahaṃ sarvān namaskṛtya prasādaye || 1.57.18 ||

Translation

Desiring to perform a great sacrifice (yajña), I ask you to grant your consent. Having bowed to all of you, the sons of my teacher, I seek to win your favor.

Context

'I wish to perform a great sacrifice. You are worthy enough to tender your consent. I pay homage to all the sons of my spiritual guide oblige.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Vasiṣṭha’s sons

FAQs

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

Ritual action (yajña) is framed as legitimate only with proper authorization and respect for the teacher’s lineage—dharma requires humility and due procedure, not mere desire.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra requests Vasiṣṭha’s sons to approve and support his intended great sacrifice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence toward the guru’s family and disciplined adherence to tradition (maryādā) in religious undertakings.