Shloka 1.58.12

त्रिशङ्कुशापः — Trishanku’s Curse and Appeal to Viśvāmitra

Devanagari script

एको हि राजा काकुत्स्थ जगाम परमात्मवान्।।।।दह्यमानो दिवारात्रं विश्वामित्रं तपोनिधिम्।

Transliteration

eko hi rājā kākutstha jagāma paramātmavān |

dahyamāno divārātraṃ viśvāmitraṃ tapo-nidhim ||1.58.12||

Translation

Alone, the king—O Kakutstha—steadfast in spirit, went to Viśvāmitra, the treasury of ascetic power, burning with anguish day and night.

Context

O Descendant of Kakustha! wandering alone burning with distress night and day the king went to Viswamitra who was rich in asceticism.

Characters & Entities

• Triśaṅku
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Viśvāmitra

FAQs

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

In distress, dharma permits seeking refuge in the wise; turning toward tapas and spiritual counsel is presented as a righteous response to suffering.

What is the narrative situation?

Abandoned by his people after the curse, Triśaṅku wanders alone and approaches Viśvāmitra for help.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and perseverance: despite disgrace, the king continues seeking a path forward rather than surrendering to despair.