Shloka 1.63.16

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

Devanagari script

आमन्त्रयन् समागम्य सर्वे सर्षिगणा स्सुरा:।महर्षिशब्दं लभतां साध्वयं कुशिकात्मज:।।।।

Transliteration

āmantrayan samāgamya sarve sarṣigaṇāḥ surāḥ | maharṣiśabdaṃ labhatāṃ sādhv ayaṃ kuśikātmajaḥ ||

Translation

Having assembled and deliberated together, all the gods along with the hosts of seers concluded: “Rightly should Kuśika’s son attain the title of Mahārṣi.”

Context

After consultations the gods and sages decided that this son of Kushika (Viswamitra) deserved the status of a Maharshi".

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra (Kuśikātmaja)
• Surāḥ (Devas)
• Ṛṣigaṇāḥ (hosts of sages)

FAQs

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

Dharma here affirms that honor and status should follow proven merit—especially disciplined tapas and righteous striving—rather than mere birth or prior rank.

What is the narrative situation?

The gods and assembled sages meet and decide that Viśvāmitra, the son of Kuśika, deserves formal recognition as a Maharṣi.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance in tapas (austerity) leading to deserved recognition; the virtue of earned spiritual authority.