Shloka 1.63.14

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

Devanagari script

स कृत्वा नैष्ठिकीं बुद्धिं जेतुकामो महायशा:।कौशिकीतीरमासाद्य तपस्तेपे सुदारुणम्।।।।

Transliteration

sa kṛtvā naiṣṭhikīṃ buddhiṃ jetu-kāmo mahāyaśāḥ | kauśikī-tīram āsādya tapas tepe sudāruṇam ||

Translation

He, of great renown, resolved upon lifelong continence, longing to conquer his senses; reaching the bank of the Kauśikī, he undertook austerities of utmost severity.

Context

Illustrious Viswamitra took a vow of celibacy in order to control his senses. And performed rigid austerities on reaching the bank of river Kausiki.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Kauśikī (river)

FAQs

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

Dharma is disciplined self-governance: after recognizing a lapse, one must establish firm vows (naiṣṭhikī buddhi) and pursue self-mastery rather than blaming external forces.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra renews his spiritual program by adopting strict continence and undertaking harsher austerities on the Kauśikī’s bank.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Brahmacarya and determination—turning repentance into concrete, sustained practice.