Shloka 1.59.20

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

Devanagari script

महोदयस्तु दुर्बुद्धिर्मामदूष्यं ह्यदूषयत्।दूषित स्सर्वलोकेषु निषादत्वं गमिष्यति।।1.59.20।।

Transliteration

mahodayas tu durbuddhir mām adūṣyaṃ hy adūṣayat | dūṣitaḥ sarva-lokeṣu niṣādatvaṃ gamiṣyati || 1.59.20 ||

Translation

But Mahodaya, of perverse understanding, blamed me though I was blameless; thus, branded in all worlds, he shall go into the state of a Niṣāda.

Context

The wicked Mahodaya, who blamed a sage like me so faultless shall be re-born in the race of the nishadas vulnerable to abuse by all.

Characters & Entities

• Mahodaya
• Viśvāmitra
• Niṣāda

FAQs

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

False blame and slander violate satya and dharma; the verse portrays reputational and existential consequences arising from unjust accusation.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra singles out Mahodaya as the chief offender and assigns him a specific consequence within the broader curse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness (satya) and fairness in judgment are emphasized by their violation—Mahodaya’s fault is blaming the blameless.