Shloka 1.58.8

त्रिशङ्कुशापः — Trishanku’s Curse and Appeal to Viśvāmitra

Devanagari script

ऋषिपुत्रास्तु तच्छ्रुत्वा वाक्यं घोराभिसंहितम्।।।।शेपु: परमसङ्कृद्धाश्चण्डालत्वं गमिष्यसि।

Transliteration

ṛṣiputrās tu tac chrutvā vākyaṃ ghorābhisaṃhitam |

śepuḥ parama-saṅkṛddhāś caṇḍālatvaṃ gamiṣyasi ||

Translation

Hearing that statement, charged with fierce intent, the sages’ sons—enraged beyond measure—cursed him: “You shall fall into the state of a caṇḍāla.”

Context

Having seen his fierce intent, the saint's sons were infuriated. They cursed him saying, "Be a Chandala"

Characters & Entities

• ṛṣiputras (sons of Vasiṣṭha)
• caṇḍāla

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates how uncontrolled anger can weaponize speech into harm; dharma requires mastery over krodha, especially for ascetics whose words carry potency.

What is the narrative situation?

Interpreting the king’s resolve as defiant and dangerous, the sages’ sons respond with a curse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Negatively emphasized: lack of kṣamā (forbearance). The episode highlights the ethical danger of rash punitive speech.