Shloka 1.63.24

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

Devanagari script

घर्मे पञ्चतपा भूत्वा वर्षास्वाकाशसंश्रय:।शिशिरे सलिलस्थायी रात्र्यहानि तपोधन:।।।।एवं वर्षसहस्रं हि तपो घोरमुपागमत्।

Transliteration

gharme pañcatapā bhūtvā varṣāsv ākāśasaṃśrayaḥ | śiśire salilasthāyī rātryahāni tapodhanaḥ || evaṃ varṣasahasraṃ hi tapo ghōram upāgamat |

Translation

In summer he practiced the penance of five fires; in the rains he took shelter in the open sky; in winter he remained immersed in water day and night. Thus, for a thousand years, that ascetic of tremendous discipline undertook fierce austerities.

Context

Viswamitra whose wealth was his penance carried on his rigid austerities for a thousand years amidst five fires, in summer, under the open sky in monsoon, and immersed in ater night and day in winter.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra (Tapodhana)
• Pañcatapā (five-fire austerity)

FAQs

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

Dharma underscores disciplined endurance: sustained self-control over comfort and hardship is portrayed as a path toward inner truth (satya) and spiritual maturity.

What is the narrative situation?

The text describes Viśvāmitra’s long-term, season-by-season austerities, maintained continuously for a thousand years.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Extraordinary endurance (titikṣā) and unwavering commitment to a higher goal.