Shloka 1.63.26

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

Devanagari script

रम्भामप्सरसं शक्र स्सह सर्वैर्मरुद्गणै:।उवाचात्महितं वाक्यमहितं कौशिकस्य च।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ kālena mahatā menakā paramāpsarāḥ | puṣkareṣu naraśreṣṭha snātuṃ samupacakrame ||

Translation

Then, after a long time had passed, Menakā—the foremost of the Apsarases—began to bathe at Puṣkara, O best of men.

Context

Indra along with all the maruts spoke to the celestial nymph Rambha, words that augured well for them and not for kaushika (Viswamitra).ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē triṣaṣṭitamassarga:৷৷Thus ends the sixtythird sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Menakā
• Apsaras (Apsarāḥ)
• Puṣkara

FAQs

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

The verse sets the stage for a dharmic test: circumstances arise that challenge an ascetic’s self-mastery, reminding that Dharma is proven under pressure, not merely proclaimed.

What is the narrative situation?

Menakā arrives at Puṣkara and begins bathing—an entry that will soon intersect with Viśvāmitra’s austerities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, the coming test of restraint (saṃyama) for the ascetic; Menakā’s role is instrumental within the plot.