Shloka 8
विश्वामित्रस्य तपोविघ्नः, मेनकाप्रसङ्गः, महर्षिपदप्रदानम्
Visvamitra’s Austerity Obstructed; Menaka Episode; Conferment of Maharshi Status
इत्युक्ता सा वरारोहा तत्र वासमथाकरोत्।।1.63.7।।तस्यां वसन्त्यां वर्षाणि पञ्च पञ्च च राघव ।विश्वामित्राश्रमे राम सुखेन व्यतिचक्रमु:।।1.63.8।।
ity uktā sā varārohā tatra vāsam athākarot | tasyāṃ vasantyāṃ varṣāṇi pañca pañca ca rāghava | viśvāmitrāśrame rāma sukhena vyaticakramuḥ ||
ऐसा कहे जाने पर वह श्रेष्ठाङ्गना वहीं रहने लगी। और हे राघव, हे राम—विश्वामित्र के आश्रम में उसके रहते हुए पाँच-पाँच करके दस वर्ष सुख से बीत गए।
On seeing her (Menaka) Viswamitra came under the influence of the god of love (fell in love with her). He said, O Apsara! welcome to my hermitage stay here. I am infatuated with you: Oblige me. Wish you well.
FAQs
Sustained discipline is central to Dharma: prolonged indulgence can undo years of spiritual effort, so one must protect vows over time.
This line repeats the account that ten years passed with Menakā residing in Viśvāmitra’s hermitage (as represented in the provided Southern Recension input).
The need for steadiness (sthiti) and restraint, highlighted by the implied loss of ascetic focus.