Shloka 1.63.3

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

Devanagari script

तमेवमुक्त्वा देवेशस्त्रिदिवं पुनरभ्यगात् ।विश्वामित्रो महातेजा भूयस्तेपे महत्तप:।।।।

Transliteration

tāṃ dadarśa mahātejā menakāṃ kuśikātmajaḥ | rūpeṇāpratimāṃ tatra vidyutaṃ jalade yathā ||

Translation

There the radiant son of Kuśika beheld Menakā, whose beauty was without equal—like lightning flashing amid the clouds.

Context

Brahma, the lord of the gods, having said this returned to heaven. The brilliant Viswamitra continues his austerities.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Kuśika
• Menakā

FAQs

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

Dharma-related vigilance: sensory perception can become the doorway to distraction; therefore, guarding the mind is integral to righteous living and spiritual discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra notices Menakā at Puṣkara and is struck by her extraordinary beauty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse highlights a turning point where the virtue of restraint is about to be tested in Viśvāmitra.