Shloka 1.60.23

त्रिशङ्कुस्वर्गारोহণम् — Trishanku’s Bodily Ascent and the New Constellations

Devanagari script

सृष्ट्वा नक्षत्रवंशं च क्रोधेन कलुषीकृत:।।1.60.22।।अन्यमिन्द्रं करिष्यामि लोको वा स्यादनिन्द्रक:।दैवतान्यपि स क्रोधा त्स्रष्टुं समुपचक्रमे।।1.60.23।।

Transliteration

anyam indraṁ kariṣyāmi loko vā syād anindrakaḥ |

daivatāny api sa krodhāt sraṣṭuṁ samupacakrame || 1.60.23 ||

Translation

Blinded by wrath, he declared, “I shall create another Indra—else let this world be without Indra,” and in anger he even began to create new gods.

Context

Having created a constellation of stars, Viswamitra out of anger said, "I will create another Indra or this world will be without Indra" and commenced to create even gods.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Indra
• devas (daivatāni)
• loka (world)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the danger of krodha (anger) overriding dharma and cosmic balance; even great ascetic power (tapas) must be governed by restraint and right intention.

What is the narrative situation?

After earlier acts of cosmic creation, Viśvāmitra—angered by resistance to his vow regarding Triśaṅku—threatens to replace Indra and begins creating new divinities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Determination rooted in ascetic power is shown, but the verse also implicitly contrasts it with the needed virtue of self-control (dama/śama).