Shloka 40
Sarasvatī-Śāpavimokṣa, Rākṣasa-Mokṣa, and Aruṇā-Tīrtha
Indra–Namuci Expiation
अवहच्छोणितोन्मिश्र॑ तोयं संवत्सरं तदा । बुद्धिमान विश्वामित्रके इस प्रकार शाप देनेपर सरस्वती नदी एक सालतक रक्तमिश्रित जल बहाती रही ।। अथर्षयश्न देवाश्व गन्धर्वाप्सरसस्तदा
avahac choṇitormiśraṁ toyaṁ saṁvatsaraṁ tadā | buddhimān viśvāmitrake—iti prakāraṁ śāpaṁ dadāne—sarasvatī nadī eka-saṁvatsaraṁ yāvat rakta-miśritaṁ jalaṁ avahat || atha ṛṣayaś ca devāś ca gandharvāpsarasaś ca tadā …
Alors, par l’effet de la malédiction ainsi proférée par le sage Viśvāmitra, la rivière Sarasvatī charria une eau mêlée de sang durant une année entière. Ensuite, les rishis, les dieux, ainsi que les Gandharvas et les Apsaras se rassemblèrent, en réponse à ce funeste retournement.
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that spiritual power (tapas) and speech-acts like curses have real consequences; even a sage’s anger can disrupt the natural world. Ethical restraint and alignment with dharma are implied as necessary to prevent harm that spreads beyond the immediate conflict.
After Viśvāmitra pronounces a curse, the Sarasvatī River is described as flowing with blood-mixed water for a year. In response to this alarming disorder, sages, gods, Gandharvas, and Apsarases assemble, indicating a broader cosmic concern and intervention.