Shloka 1.58.17

त्रिशङ्कुशापः — Trishanku’s Curse and Appeal to Viśvāmitra

Devanagari script

प्रत्याख्यातोऽस्मि गुरुणा गुरुपुत्रैस्तथैव च।अनवाप्यैव तं कामं मया प्राप्तो विपर्यय:।।।।

Transliteration

pratyākhyāto 'smi guruṇā guruputrais tathaiva ca | anavāpyaiva taṃ kāmaṃ mayā prāpto viparyayaḥ ||

Translation

I have been rejected by my guru, and likewise by the guru’s sons; without attaining that desire, I have met with the opposite—calamity in place of fulfilment.

Context

"Rejected by my guru and his sons, what I achieved was disaster and what I could not was the fulfilment of my wish.

Characters & Entities

• Triśaṅku
• guru (Vasiṣṭha, implied)
• guruputra (sons of Vasiṣṭha, implied)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the weight of a guru’s acceptance or rejection in dharmic life: when one’s aim is pursued without the guru’s sanction, it can lead to adverse consequences.

What is the narrative situation?

Triśaṅku reports to Viśvāmitra that his preceptor and the preceptor’s sons have refused his request, leaving him distressed and thwarted.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Candour and accountability—Triśaṅku openly admits his rejection and the resulting downfall rather than masking it.