Shloka 1.63.8

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

Devanagari script

इत्युक्ता सा वरारोहा तत्र वासमथाकरोत्।।1.63.7।।तस्यां वसन्त्यां वर्षाणि पञ्च पञ्च च राघव ।विश्वामित्राश्रमे राम सुखेन व्यतिचक्रमु:।।1.63.8।।

Transliteration

tasmin santapyamāne tu viśvāmitre mahāmunau | sambhramaḥ sumahān āsīt surāṇāṃ vāsavasya ca ||

Translation

While the great sage Viśvāmitra was aflame in burning austerity, a mighty alarm arose among the gods—and in Vāsava (Indra) as well.

Context

"O Descendant of Raghu while that woman of an exalted race lived in the hermitage of Viswamitra, ten years rolled by happily".

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Surāḥ (gods)
• Vāsava (Indra)

FAQs

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

Spiritual power must be governed by Dharma: intense tapas can shift cosmic balances, so it implicitly raises the question of how power—divine or human—should be ethically handled.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra intensifies his austerities, and the gods, especially Indra, become anxious and seek a way to interrupt him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s formidable resolve; in contrast, the gods’ anxiety highlights fear of losing status rather than moral courage.