Shloka 1.57.9

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

Devanagari script

इति निश्चित्य मनसा भूय एव महातपा:।तपश्चकार काकुत्स्थ परमं परमात्मवान्।।1.57.9।।

Transliteration

iti niścitya manasā bhūya eva mahātapāḥ |

tapaś cakāra kākutstha paramaṃ paramātmavān ||1.57.9||

Translation

Thus, having resolved it in his mind, that great ascetic—O descendant of Kakutstha—steadfast in spirit, once again undertook austerities of the highest order.

Context

"O Descendant of Kakustha (Rama)! this celebrated intellectual having decided in his mind once again performed greater austerities.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Viśvāmitra (as mahātapāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma is embodied as firm resolve (niścaya) and disciplined practice—returning to right effort even after disappointment.

What is the narrative situation?

After concluding that his prior austerities have not achieved the desired spiritual standing, Viśvāmitra recommences even harsher tapas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Determination and inner steadiness (paramātmavat)—the capacity to recommit to a goal through self-control.