Shloka 1.62.5

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

Devanagari script

त्राता त्वं हि मुनिश्रेष्ठ सर्वेषां त्वं हि भावन:।।।।राजा च कृतकार्यस्स्यादहं दीर्घायुरव्यय:।स्वर्गलोकमुपाश्नीयां तपस्तप्त्वाह्यनुत्तमम्।।।।

Transliteration

trātā tvaṃ hi muniśreṣṭha sarveṣāṃ tvaṃ hi bhāvanaḥ | rājā ca kṛtakāryaḥ syād ahaṃ dīrghāyur avyayaḥ | svargalokam upāśnīyāṃ tapas taptvā hy anuttamam ||

Translation

You indeed are the protector, O best of sages—you foster the welfare of all. Let the king’s purpose be fulfilled; and let me gain long, unfailing life, and after performing unsurpassed austerity, partake of the heavenly world.

Context

O Best among ascetics! you are the protecor of everybody. You are promoter of others' welfare. May the king fulfil his purpose. May I live long and become immortal and attain heaven after performing great penance. May I enjoy heaven.

Characters & Entities

• Śunaḥśepha
• Viśvāmitra
• rājā (Ambarīṣa, implied by episode)
• svargaloka
• tapas

FAQs

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

Dharma balances welfare of all: the plea seeks a solution that saves the victim while allowing the king’s vow/rite to be fulfilled without unrighteous harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Śunaḥśepha praises the sage as universal protector and asks for rescue, expressing hopes for long life and spiritual attainment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Trust in righteous authority and aspiration toward higher life through tapas rather than mere survival.