Shloka 1.63.13

विश्वामित्रस्य तपोविघ्नः, मेनकाप्रसङ्गः, महर्षिपदप्रदानम् (Visvamitra’s Austerity Obstructed; Menaka Episode; Conferment of Maharshi Status)

Devanagari script

विनिश्श्वसन्मुनिवर: पश्चात्तापेन दु:खित:।भीतामप्सरसं दृष्ट्वा वेपन्तीं प्राञ्जलिं स्थिताम्।।1.63.12।।मेनकां मधुरैर्वाक्यैर्विसृज्य कुशिकात्मज:।उत्तरं पर्वतं राम विश्वामित्रो जगाम ह।।1.63.13।।

Transliteration

viniśśvasan munivaraḥ paścāttāpena duḥkhitaḥ | bhītām apsarasaṃ dṛṣṭvā vepantīṃ prāñjaliṃ sthitām || menakāṃ madhurair vākyair visṛjya kuśikātmajaḥ | uttaraṃ parvataṃ rāma viśvāmitro jagāma ha ||

Translation

O Rāma, the foremost of sages, sighing and pained with remorse, beheld the frightened apsaras trembling, standing with folded hands. With gentle words Viśvāmitra, Kuśika’s son, dismissed Menakā and went on to the northern mountain.

Context

"O Rama Viswamitra, the best of ascetics sighed with repentance, distressed with grief. On seeing him, the apsara started trembling in fear. She stood before him with folded palms. (But) with sweet words the son of Kushika left her and proceeded towards the northern mountains.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Menakā
• Apsaras
• Kuśika
• Uttara-parvata (northern mountain)
• Rāma

FAQs

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

The same dharma as the preceding record: remorse should culminate in restraint, non-violence in speech, and renewed commitment to discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

This verse repeats the Menakā dismissal and Viśvāmitra’s departure to the northern mountain, reflecting a recension-level duplication.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gentleness under strain and the ability to restart one’s vow-driven path after a lapse.