Shloka 1.9.17

ऋश्यशृङ्गानयनकथा — The Account of Bringing Ṛśyaśṛṅga (and the Remedy for Drought)

Devanagari script

एवमङ्गाधिपेनैव गणिकाभि: ऋषेस्सुत:।आनीतोऽवर्षयद्देवश्शान्ता चास्मै प्रदीयते।।।।

Transliteration

evam aṅgādhipenaiva gaṇikābhiḥ ṛṣes sutaḥ | ānīto 'varṣayad devaḥ śāntā cāsmai pradīyate ||

Translation

Thus, by the king of Aṅga—using courtesans as a means—the sage’s son was brought; then the god sent rain, and Śāntā was given to him in marriage.

Context

Thus with the help of courtesans of the king of Anga, when the son of the sage (Rsyasringa) was brought rains followed. The king offered his daughter Santa (in marriage to the sage).

Characters & Entities

• Aṅga
• Aṅgādhipa (Romapāda, by traditional identification)
• gaṇikā (courtesans)
• Ṛśyaśṛṅga
• Vibhaṇḍaka (implied as the sage-father)
• Indra (deva causing rain, by context)
• Śāntā

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the link between spiritual purity/ritual power and public welfare (rain, prosperity). It also raises ethical tension about expedient means, inviting reflection on dharma versus mere strategy.

What is the narrative situation?

Aṅga’s king successfully brings Ṛśyaśṛṅga through a planned lure; as a result rains come, and Śāntā is given in marriage to the sage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ṛśyaśṛṅga’s ascetic potency (tapas) is foregrounded through the immediate boon of rainfall, symbolizing beneficence arising from spiritual discipline.