Shloka 1.59.15

विश्वामित्रस्य शरणागति-प्रशंसा तथा वासिष्ठपुत्र-शापः (Visvamitra grants refuge; the curse upon Vasishta’s sons)

Devanagari script

एतद्वचननैष्ठुर्यमूचु स्संरक्तलोचना:।वासिष्ठा मुनिशार्दूल सर्वे ते समहोदया:।।1.59.15।।

Transliteration

brāhmaṇā vā mahātmāno bhuktvā caṇḍāla-bhojanam | kathaṃ svargaṃ gamiṣyanti viśvāmitreṇa pālitāḥ || 1.59.14 ||

Translation

Or even if they are great-souled brāhmaṇas, having eaten food from a caṇḍāla, how will those who follow and are guided by Viśvāmitra ever reach heaven?

Context

O Best among ascetics! all the sons of Vasishta along with Mahodaya with their eyes reddened in anger spoke these harsh words":

Characters & Entities

• Brāhmaṇas
• Caṇḍāla
• Viśvāmitra
• Svarga

FAQs

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

It interrogates the link between conduct, association, and spiritual outcome; at the same time, it illustrates how dharma can be argued through social stigma rather than through inner truth (satya) and intent.

What is the narrative situation?

The angry Vāsiṣṭhas continue their critique, claiming that participation under Viśvāmitra and acceptance of stigmatized food obstructs heavenly merit.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse implicitly calls for impartiality and truthfulness in moral reasoning, rather than condemnation based on birth-status labels.