Shloka 1.57.8

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

Devanagari script

तपश्च सुमहत्तप्तं राजर्षिरिति मां विदु:।देवास्सर्षिगणास्सर्वे नास्ति मन्ये तप:फलम्।।1.57.8।।

Transliteration

tapaś ca sumahat taptaṃ rājarṣir iti māṃ viduḥ |

devāḥ sarṣigaṇāḥ sarve nāsti manye tapaḥ-phalam ||1.57.8||

Translation

“I have undertaken exceedingly great austerities; yet all the gods, along with the hosts of seers, know me only as a Rājarṣi. I think there is no fruit in my penance.”

Context

"I have performed intense austerities. Yet rishis and devatas have recognised me only as a rajarshi. I think my penance has yielded fruit.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Devas
• Ṛṣigaṇa (hosts of seers)
• Rājarṣi (status/title)

FAQs

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

Dharma warns against measuring righteousness only by external validation; true spiritual fruit is inner transformation, not merely titles granted by others.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra laments that despite intense tapas, he is still addressed as a rājarṣi, setting up his decision to pursue even greater austerity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance—though mixed with wounded pride—showing an unyielding will to reach a higher spiritual ideal.