Shloka 17

विश्वामित्रस्य ब्राह्मर्षित्वप्राप्तिः

Viśvāmitra Attains Brahmarṣi Status

Devanagari script

कालाग्निना यथापूर्वं त्रैलोक्यं दह्यतेऽखिलम्।देवराज्यं चिकीर्षेत दीयतामस्य यन्मतम्।।।।

Transliteration

kālāgninā yathāpūrvaṃ trailokyaṃ dahyate 'khilam | devarājyaṃ cikīrṣet dīyatām asya yan matam ||

Translation

三界尽皆燃烧，宛如劫末之火焚尽万有。纵使他欲求天神之王权，也当赐与他所意欲的一切。

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then, thereafter
• tataḥ: Sambandha (सम्बन्धः)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: tataḥ (अव्यय)
• Form: देश/कालार्थक-अव्यय (thereafter/from that)

• sura-gaṇāḥ: hosts of gods
• sura-gaṇāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: sura + gaṇa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तत्पुरुष-समास ‘सुराणां गणाः’; पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st), बहुवचन

• sarve: all
• sarve: Visheshana (विशेषणम्)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sarva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, बहुवचन; विशेषणम् (qualifies sura-gaṇāḥ)

• pitāmaha-purogamāḥ: with Brahmā at the forefront
• pitāmaha-purogamāḥ: Visheshana (विशेषणम्)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: pitāmaha + purogama (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: तत्पुरुष-समास ‘पितामहः पुरोगमः येषाम्’ (with Brahmā in front); पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, बहुवचन; विशेषणम् (qualifies sura-gaṇāḥ)

• viśvāmitram: Viśvāmitra
• viśvāmitram: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: viśvāmitra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन

• mahātmānam: great-souled
• mahātmānam: Visheshana (विशेषणम्)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: mahā + ātman (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: कर्मधारय-समास ‘महान् आत्मा’ (great-souled); पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, एकवचन; विशेषणम् (qualifies viśvāmitram)

• madhuram: sweet
• madhuram: Visheshana (विशेषणम्)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: madhura (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन; विशेषणम् (qualifies vākyam)

• vākyam: words, speech
• vākyam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vākya (प्रातिपदik)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd), एकवचन

• abruvan: spoke
• abruvan: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: brū (ब्रू धातु)
• Form: लङ् (imperfect/past), परस्मैपद, प्रथमपुरुष (3rd), बहुवचन

Context

All the three worlds are burning as though with the fire Pralaya (dissolution). His desire may be granted even if he wants to rule the kingdom of the gods.

Characters & Entities

• Trailokya (three worlds)
• Kālāgni (fire of dissolution)
• Vishvamitra (implied)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma prioritizes protection of the many: to preserve the world, authority may choose conciliation—granting a boon—over escalation and ruin.

What is the narrative situation?

The gods, fearing pralaya-like destruction, propose granting Viśvāmitra even the highest status if that will avert catastrophe.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pragmatic responsibility—placing universal welfare above pride or rivalry.