Shloka 1.63.21

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

Devanagari script

महर्षिशब्दमतुलं स्वार्जितै: कर्मभिश्शुभै:।यदि मे भगवानाह ततोऽहं विजितेन्द्रिय:।।।।

Transliteration

maharṣiśabdam atulaṃ svārjitaiḥ karmabhiḥ śubhaiḥ | yadi me bhagavān āha tato 'haṃ vijitendriyaḥ ||

Translation

“If the Blessed One has declared for me the incomparable title ‘Maharṣi’—won by my own auspicious deeds—then I deem myself one who has conquered the senses.”

Context

"O Adorable one, if you have conferred the incomparable title of 'Maharshi' earned by my auspicious deeds, I feel I have conquered the senses."

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Brahmā (Bhagavān)
• Maharṣi (title)
• Indriya (senses)

FAQs

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

Dharma links honor to inner discipline: true greatness is measured by mastery over the senses, not merely by external recognition.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra responds to Brahmā’s conferral, interpreting the title as proof of sense-conquest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Aspiration for indriya-jaya (self-control) as the hallmark of spiritual legitimacy.