Shloka 1.58.21

त्रिशङ्कुशापः — Trishanku’s Curse and Appeal to Viśvāmitra

Devanagari script

धर्मे प्रयतमानस्य यज्ञं चाहर्तुमिच्छत:।।।।परितोषं न गच्छन्ति गुरवो मुनिपुङ्गव ।

Transliteration

dharme prayatamānasya yajñaṃ cāhartum icchataḥ | paritoṣaṃ na gacchanti guravo munipuṅgava ||

Translation

O foremost of sages, though I strive in dharma and wish to undertake a sacrifice, my gurus do not come to satisfaction—they do not approve.

Context

O Pre-eminent among sages! I endeavour to do my duty. I intend to perform a sacrifice. My gurus do not appreciate this.

Characters & Entities

• Triśaṅku
• Viśvāmitra
• gurus (Vasiṣṭha and his circle, implied)
• yajña

FAQs

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

Dharma is not only personal intention but also relational accountability—especially to teachers; lack of guru-approval becomes a moral and practical obstacle.

What is the narrative situation?

Triśaṅku tells Viśvāmitra that despite his sincere effort, his teachers remain displeased and refuse to support his sacrificial project.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Earnest striving (prayatna) in duty, coupled with a desire for legitimate ritual performance.