Shloka 1.65.23

विश्वामित्रस्य ब्राह्मर्षित्वप्राप्तिः — Viśvāmitra Attains Brahmarṣi Status

Devanagari script

क्षत्रवेदविदां श्रेष्ठो ब्रह्मवेदविदामपि।ब्रह्मपुत्रो वसिष्ठो मामेवं वदतु देवता:।।।।यद्ययं परम: काम: कृतो यान्तु सुरर्षभा:।

Transliteration

kṣatravedavidāṃ śreṣṭho brahmavedavidām api | brahmaputro vasiṣṭho mām evaṃ vadatu devatāḥ || yady ayaṃ paramaḥ kāmaḥ kṛto yāntu surarṣabhāḥ |

Translation

O gods, let Vasiṣṭha—the son of Brahmā, foremost among those who know the kṣatriya-veda and also among those who know the brahma-veda—address me thus. If this highest desire is fulfilled, then, O best of the gods, you may depart.

Context

"O gods! let the son of Brahma and eminent Vasishta who is knowledgeable in the vedas worthy of brahmins and archery worthy of kshatriyas address me as 'Brahmarshi'. If this supreme desire is granted, O Best of devatas! all of you can go".

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Vasiṣṭha
• Brahmā
• devas (surarṣabhāḥ)
• kṣatra-veda (royal disciplines)
• brahma-veda (sacred knowledge)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires social and spiritual harmony: the rival’s acknowledgment (Vasiṣṭha’s word) becomes the ethical completion of attainment, turning conflict into reconciliation grounded in truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra asks that Vasiṣṭha—his long-standing counterpart—formally recognize him, which would finalize his quest for Brahmarṣi status.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Forbearance and maturity—seeking validation through rightful speech rather than hostility.