Shloka 1.58.5

त्रिशङ्कुशापः — Trishanku’s Curse and Appeal to Viśvāmitra

Devanagari script

बालिशस्त्वं नरश्रेष्ठ गम्यतां स्वपुरं पुन:।याजने भगवाञ्छक्तस्त्रैलोक्यस्यापि पार्थिव।।।।अवमानं च तत्कर्तुं तस्य शक्ष्यामहे कथम्।

Transliteration

bāliśas tvaṃ naraśreṣṭha gamyatāṃ svapuraṃ punaḥ |

yājane bhagavān śaktas trailokyasyāpi pārthiva ||

avamānaṃ ca tat kartuṃ tasya śakṣyāmahe katham |

Translation

You act with childish folly, O best of men; return again to your own city. O king, that venerable one is able to officiate yajñas even for the three worlds—how could we ever dishonor him by acting otherwise?

Context

O Best one among men! you are childish. Return to your capital. O Monarch! the most venerable Vasishta is capable of conducting sacrifices performed by anybody in the three worlds. How can we dishonour him'?

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• trailokya (three worlds)
• svapura (capital city)

FAQs

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

Dharma is maintaining maryādā: one should not dishonor a rightful preceptor, and one should accept correction rather than force a desired outcome through impropriety.

What is the narrative situation?

The sages rebuke the king’s persistence and advise him to return, stressing Vasiṣṭha’s unmatched ritual authority.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for elders/teachers and humility before spiritual competence (recognizing who is fit to lead sacred rites).