Shloka 1.62.18

शुनश्शेफरक्षा–विश्वामित्रशापः (Sunassepha’s Rescue and Visvamitra’s Curse)

Devanagari script

कृत्वा शापसमायुक्तान् पुत्रान् मुनिवरस्तथा।शुनश्शेफमुवाचार्तं कृत्वा रक्षां निरामयम्।।।।

Transliteration

kṛtvā śāpa-samāyuktān putrān muni-varas tathā | śunaḥśepham uvāca ārtaṃ kṛtvā rakṣāṃ nirāmayam ||

Translation

Having thus bound his sons under a curse, the best of sages then addressed the distressed Śunaḥśepa, granting him protection and relief from suffering.

Context

Viswamitra the best of ascetics, thus cursed his sons. Sunassepha, (now) was filled with distress. To relieve him of his pain he said:

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Viśvāmitra’s sons
• Śunaḥśepa

FAQs

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

Dharma includes protecting the afflicted; after enforcing justice on wrongdoing, the sage turns to compassionate protection of the vulnerable.

What is the narrative situation?

After cursing his sons, Viśvāmitra shifts attention to Śunaḥśepa, who is in distress and needs help.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassion tempered by firmness: the ability to punish adharma yet provide refuge to the suffering.