Shloka 1.62.3

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

Devanagari script

विवर्णवदनो दीनस्तृष्णया च श्रमेण च।।।।पपाताङ्के मुनेराशु वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह।

Transliteration

vivarṇavadano dīnas tṛṣṇayā ca śrameṇa ca | papātāṅke muner āśu vākyaṃ cedam uvāca ha ||

Translation

His face drained of color, wretched with thirst and exhaustion, he quickly fell into the sage’s lap and spoke these words.

Context

With his face discoloured due to thirst and fatigue, he (Sunassepha) immediately fell into the sage's lap in a pitiable condition and said:

Characters & Entities

• Śunaḥśepha
• sage (Viśvāmitra, by episode context)

FAQs

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

The dharma of compassion is invoked implicitly: the helpless person approaches a righteous authority seeking protection.

What is the narrative situation?

Śunaḥśepha, weakened by thirst and fatigue, collapses before the sage and begins his plea.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and the courage to seek rightful refuge rather than resorting to deceit or violence.