Shloka 1.65.8
विश्वामित्रस्य ब्राह्मर्षित्वप्राप्तिः — Viśvāmitra Attains Brahmarṣi Status
तस्यानुच्छ्वसमानस्य मूर्ध्नि धूमो व्यजायत।त्रैलोक्यं येन सम्भ्रान्तमादीपितमिवाभवत्।।।।
tasyānucchvasamānasya mūrdhni dhūmo vyajāyata |
trailokyaṃ yena sambhrāntam ādīpitam ivābhavat ||
As he held back his breath, smoke arose from the crown of his head; by it the three worlds were thrown into alarm, as though they had been set ablaze.
While his breath, was suspended, smoke emanated from his head which frightened the three worlds. It appeared as though they were on fire.
The verse highlights how inner discipline (tapas grounded in dharma) has cosmic consequences; spiritual power is not mere display but a force that can destabilize the world if not aligned with righteous purpose.
During Viśvāmitra’s breath-suspending austerity, smoke rises from his head, and the three worlds react in fear.
Extreme self-control and perseverance—the ability to sustain severe austerity without wavering.