Shloka 1.62.8

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

Devanagari script

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा विश्वामित्रो महातपा:।सान्त्वयित्वा बहुविधं पुत्रानिदमुवाच ह।।।।

Transliteration

tasya tad-vacanaṃ śrutvā viśvāmitro mahātapāḥ | sāntvayitvā bahuvidhaṃ putrān idam uvāca ha ||

Translation

Hearing his words, the great ascetic Viśvāmitra consoled him in many ways, and then spoke these words to his sons.

Context

Having heard Sunassepha, mighty ascetic Viswamitra consoled him in many ways and said to his sons:

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma (frame context)
• Śunaḥśepha (implied by 'tasya')

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as compassionate action preceding instruction: one who guides others first relieves fear and distress, then gives counsel or direction.

What is the narrative situation?

After Śunaḥśepha’s plea, Viśvāmitra reassures him and prepares to address his own sons, setting up a moral and familial confrontation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s virtue is protective leadership—combining tapas (spiritual authority) with empathy and responsible speech.