Shloka 24
Sarasvatī-Śāpavimokṣa, Rākṣasa-Mokṣa, and Aruṇā-Tīrtha
Indra–Namuci Expiation
वसिष्ठ उवाच पाह्यात्मानं सरिच्छेछे वह मां शीघ्रगामिनी । विश्वामित्र: शपेद्धि त्वां मा कृथास्त्वं विचारणाम्
Vasiṣṭha uvāca: pāhy ātmānaṃ saricchreṣṭhe vaha māṃ śīghragāminī | Viśvāmitraḥ śaped dhi tvāṃ mā kṛthās tvaṃ vicāraṇām ||
Vasiṣṭha berkata: “Wahai Sarasvatī, yang termulia di antara sungai-sungai, lindungilah dirimu dan bawalah aku dengan arus yang cepat. Jika tidak, Viśvāmitra sungguh akan mengutukmu; maka jangan biarkan keraguan atau rencana lain masuk ke dalam pikiranmu.”
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical urgency and foresight: when a harmful consequence is imminent (here, a powerful sage’s curse), one should act decisively to prevent greater damage, avoiding paralyzing hesitation.
Vasiṣṭha addresses the river Sarasvatī, urging her to flow swiftly and carry him away while also safeguarding herself, warning that Viśvāmitra may curse her if she delays or chooses another course.