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,वसिष्ठ बोले--सरिताओंमें श्रेष्ठ सरस्वती! तुम शीघ्र गतिसे प्रवाहित होकर मुझे बहा ले चलो और अपनी रक्षा करो, अन्यथा विश्वामित्र तुम्हें शाप दे देंगे; इसलिये तुम कोई दूसरा विचार मनमें न लाओ
Vasiṣṭha uvāca: pāhy ātmānaṃ saricchreṣṭhe vaha māṃ śīghragāminī | Viśvāmitraḥ śaped dhi tvāṃ mā kṛthās tvaṃ vicāraṇām ||
Vasiṣṭha said: “O Sarasvatī, best among rivers, protect yourself and carry me swiftly along. Otherwise Viśvāmitra will indeed curse you; therefore do not entertain any other hesitation or alternative plan in your mind.”
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.