Shloka 1.63.5

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

Devanagari script

तां ददर्श महातेजा मेनकां कुशिकात्मज:।रूपेणाप्रतिमां तत्र विद्युतं जलदे यथा।।।।

Transliteration

ity uktā sā varārohā tatra vāsam athākarot | tasyāṃ vasantyāṃ varṣāṇi pañca pañca ca rāghava | viśvāmitrāśrame rāma sukhena vyaticakramuḥ ||

Translation

Thus addressed, that noble lady took up residence there. And while she lived in Viśvāmitra’s hermitage, O Rāghava—O Rāma—ten years passed away in ease.

Context

There the most brilliant son of Kusika Viswamitra saw Menaka whose beauty was incomparable. She looked like lightning in the clouds.

Characters & Entities

• Menakā
• Viśvāmitra
• Viśvāmitrāśrama

FAQs

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

Time can silently erode one’s vows: Dharma is not only about a single choice but sustained fidelity to one’s purpose, especially for those who have undertaken ascetic commitments.

What is the narrative situation?

Menakā stays with Viśvāmitra, and a full decade passes in the hermitage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implicit virtue is vigilance; the verse underscores how comfort (sukha) can become a subtle obstacle to austerity and steadfastness.