Shloka 1.59.22

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

Devanagari script

एतावदुक्त्वा वचनं विश्वामित्रो महातपा:।विरराम महातेजा ऋषिमध्ये महामुनि:।।1.59.22।।

Transliteration

prāṇātipātanirato niranukrośatāṃ gataḥ | dīrghakālaṃ mama krodhād durgatiṃ vartayiṣyati ||

Translation

Addicted to taking life and fallen into mercilessness, he will—because of my anger—endure a wretched condition for a long time.

Context

The most powerful sage Viswamitra of fierce asceticism fell silent after after utteringthis curse in the assembly of rishis.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē ēkōnaṣaṣṭitamassarga:৷৷Thus ends the fiftyninth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• ṛṣis (assembly)
• the cursed person (unnamed here)

FAQs

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

Cruelty and habitual violence lead to downfall; dharma is inseparable from compassion, and its violation brings severe consequence.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra pronounces a punitive outcome (a curse) upon one characterized by merciless killing, in the presence of other sages.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral accountability—actions devoid of mercy invite retribution and suffering.