Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 63, Shloka 21
विश्वामित्रस्य तपोविघ्नः, मेनकाप्रसङ्गः, महर्षिपदप्रदानम्
Visvamitra’s Austerity Obstructed; Menaka Episode; Conferment of Maharshi Status
महर्षिशब्दमतुलं स्वार्जितै: कर्मभिश्शुभै:।यदि मे भगवानाह ततोऽहं विजितेन्द्रिय:।।।।
maharṣiśabdam atulaṃ svārjitaiḥ karmabhiḥ śubhaiḥ | yadi me bhagavān āha tato 'haṃ vijitendriyaḥ ||
“Kung ipinahayag sa akin ng Mapagpalang Panginoon ang walang-katulad na pamagat na ‘Mahārṣi’—na natamo sa sarili kong mabubuting gawa—kung gayon itinuturing kong napagtagumpayan ko na ang mga pandama.”
"O Adorable one, if you have conferred the incomparable title of 'Maharshi' earned by my auspicious deeds, I feel I have conquered the senses."
FAQs
Dharma links honor to inner discipline: true greatness is measured by mastery over the senses, not merely by external recognition.
Viśvāmitra responds to Brahmā’s conferral, interpreting the title as proof of sense-conquest.
Aspiration for indriya-jaya (self-control) as the hallmark of spiritual legitimacy.