मा वसिष्ठस्य पुत्राणामुपहासपदं गतः । प्रतिज्ञारहितो विप्र सत्यमेद्ब्रवीम्यहम्
mā vasiṣṭhasya putrāṇāmupahāsapadaṃ gataḥ | pratijñārahito vipra satyamedbravīmyaham
Janganlah aku menjadi bahan ejekan bagi putera-putera Vasiṣṭha. Wahai brāhmaṇa, aku menyatakan kebenaran ini: aku tidak boleh didapati tanpa ikrar dan janji suciku.
Viśvāmitra
Listener: vipra (brāhmaṇa addressee within the dialogue)
Scene: A solemn sage speaks to a brāhmaṇa, hand raised in oath-like gesture, expressing determination not to be mocked by Vasiṣṭha’s sons; the setting is an āśrama with sacrificial implements and quiet forest backdrop.
Truthfulness and fidelity to one’s vow are central virtues; dharma is upheld even under social pressure and potential ridicule.
No site is named; the verse focuses on vow-ethics that frame the later tīrtha instruction.
None; the emphasis is on satya and maintaining one’s pratijñā.