Shloka 15
Satyavrata, Vasiṣṭha, and the Crisis of Dharma: Protection, Anger, and Vow-Discipline
त्रिशंकुरिति होवाच त्रिशंकुरिति स स्मृतः । विश्वामित्रस्तु दाराणामागतो भरणे कृते
triśaṃkuriti hovāca triśaṃkuriti sa smṛtaḥ | viśvāmitrastu dārāṇāmāgato bharaṇe kṛte
He said, “(He is) Triśaṅku,” and thus he came to be remembered as Triśaṅku. Then Viśvāmitra arrived for the purpose of supporting and maintaining his wife.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Role: nurturing
FAQs
The verse highlights how identity and destiny become fixed through spoken resolve and remembrance, while also showing that even great sages act within dharma—maintaining and supporting one’s household responsibilities alongside spiritual pursuits.
Though the verse is narrative, it reflects a Shaiva ethical frame: Saguna Shiva is approached not only through rites but through dharmic conduct—truthful speech, right intention, and responsibility—seen as supportive disciplines for devotion and eventual liberation.
A practical takeaway is disciplined speech (satya) and daily remembrance of Shiva through japa—especially the Panchakshara “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”—while fulfilling one’s rightful duties (gṛhastha-dharma) with steadiness.