Introduction
Trishanku seeks shelter of Vishvamitra when the sons of Vashishta rebuffed him, and even cursed him to become a profaner. Narrating his sad tale and his idealistic idea of going to heaven with mortal body, Trishanku earnestly appeals to Vishvamitra.
Verse 1
ततः त्रिशंकोर्वचनं श्रुत्वा क्रोधसमन्वितम् |
ऋषिपुत्रशतं राम राजानमिदमब्रवीत् || १-५८-१
“On hearing the sentence of Trishanku, oh, Rama, the hundred sons of sage Vashishta infuriately said this to that king.” Thus, sage Shataananda continued his narration to Rama and others. [1-58-1]
1. raama = oh Rama; trishankoH vacanam shrutvaa = on hearing Trishanku’s sentence; tataH = then; R^iSiputrashatam = hundred sons of sage; krodhasamanvitam = infuriated; raajaanam idam abraviit = said this to king.
Verse 2
प्रत्याख्यातोऽसि दुर्बुद्धे गुरुणा सत्यवादिना |
तं कथं समतिक्रम्य शाखान्तरमुपेयिवान् || १-५८-२
‘You slow-witted king, your veracious mentor has denounced you. But transgressing him how do you approach another branch of the same tree of wisdom, when that very tree rejected you?’ So the sons of Vashishta have started to denounce Trishanku. [1-58-2]
2. durbuddhe = oh slow witted one [king]; satyavaadinaa guruNaa pratyaakhyaataH asi = you are denounced by mentor [Vashishta] the advocator of truth; tam = him; samatikramya = verily over stepping – transgressing; shaakhaantaram = another branch ; katham = how; upeyivaan = come nigh of – approaching.
Verse 3
इक्ष्वाकूणां हि सर्वेषां पुरोधाः परमा गतिः |
न चातिक्रमितुं शक्यं वचनं सत्यवादिनः || १-५८-३
‘The Royal Priest is the ultimate course for all of Ikshvaku-s, isn’t it. It is impossible to transgress the word of advise of such a veracious Priest. [1-58-3]
3. sarveSaam ikSvaakuuNaam = for all, Ikshvaku-s; purodhaaH paramaa gatiH hi = Royal Priest is, ultimate, course, isn’t it; satyavaadinaH = advocator’s of truth – veracious priest; vacanam = sentence – words of advise; atikramitum = to transgress; na shakyam = not, possible.
Verse 4
अशक्यमिति सोवाच वसिष्ठो भगवानृषिः |
तं वयं वै समाहर्तुं क्रतुं शक्ताः कथंचन || १-५८-४
Vashishta is the most reverential sage and such a sage has already said it is impossible to conduct such a Vedic-ritual. Then, in which way we are capable to conduct such a Vedic-ritual? [1-58-4]
4. vasiSThaH bhagavaan R^iSiH = Vashishta is, most reverential, sage; saH = such [a sage]; ashakyam iti = thus, not possible; uvaaca = has [already] said; tam = that [type of]; kratum = ritual; samaahartum = to effectuate; vayam = we; katha~ncana shaktaaH = in which way, capable.
Verse 5 & 6a
बालिशस्त्वं नरश्रेष्ठ गम्यतां स्वपुरं पुनः |
याजने भगवान् शक्तस्त्रैलोक्यस्यापि पार्थिव || १-५८-५
अवमानं कथं कर्तुं तस्य शक्ष्यामहे वयम् |
‘Oh king of subjects, better get back to your own city again for you are childish. That godlike Vashishta alone is capable to orchestrate any ritual by any king in all the three worlds. Oh, king, how then we are capable to cause a disrepute to his reputation.’ Thus, the sons of Vashishta refuted Trishanku. [1-58-5, 6a]
5, 6a. narashreSTha = the best for men [here, king of subjects]; tvam baalishaH = you are, childish; punaH svapuram gamyataam = again, get back [to your] own city; paarthiva = oh king; bhagavaan = godlike [Vashishta is]; trailokyasya api = by [kings] of three worlds; yaajane shaktaH = is capable in orchestration of ritual; [tat = therefore]; tasya = his [to reputation]; avamaanam = not reputing [to disrepute]; kartum = to do; vayam katham shakShaayaamahe = how we are capable of.
Verse 6b & 7a
तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा क्रोधपर्याकुलाक्षरम् || १-५८-६
स राजा पुनरेवैतानिदं वचनमब्रवीत् |
“On hearing that sentence of theirs which is highly faltering with words of fury that king further spoke this sentence to all of them.” So Shataananda continued. [1-58-6b, 7a]
6b, 7a. saH raajaa = that, king; krodhaparyaakulaakSaram = highly faltering with words of fury; teSaam tat vacanam shrutvaa = on hearing that sentence from them; punaH eva = further, thus; etaan idam vacanam abraviit = spoke this sentence to all of them.
Verse 7b & 8a
प्रत्याख्यातो भगवता गुरुपुत्रैस्तथैव हि || १-५८-७
अन्यां गतिं गमिष्यामि स्वस्ति वोऽस्तु तपोधनाः |
‘I am indeed rejected by the godlike Vashishta, likewise even by you, the sons of the same mentor, as such oh, ascetically wealthy scholars, in this state obloquy I will resort to another recourse, let safety betide you.’ So Trishanku bade farewell to the sons of Vashishta, but… [1-58-7b, 8a]
7b, 8a. tapodhanaaH = oh ascetically wealthy [scholars]; bhagavataa = by godlike [Vashishta]; tathaa eva = like that, even; guruputraiH = by mentor’s sons; pratyaakhyaataH = I am rejected; hi = indeed; anyaam gatim gamiSyaami = I wish to reach at another objective ; svasti vaH astu = safety betide you.
Verse 8b & 9a
ऋषिपुत्रास्तु तच्छ्रुत्वा वाक्यं घोराभिसंहितम् || १-५८-८
शेपुः परमसंक्रुद्धाश्चण्डालत्वं गमिष्यसि |
But the sons of the sage Vashishta, on hearing that sentence of the king, that is inclusive of and leading to a calamitous situation, have become very highly infuriated and cursed saying, ‘you shall get into a state of basely profaner.’ That is the curse issued by the sons of Vashishta to Trishanku. [1-58-8b, 9a]
8b, 9a. R^iSiputraaH tu = sage’s sons, on their part; ghoraabhisamhitam = an idea inclusive of and leading towards a calamitous situation; tat vaakyam shrutvaa = on hearing that sentence; paramasamkruddhaaH = highly verily infuriated; caNDaalatvam gamiSyasi = you get into state of a [basely] profaner; shepuH = cursed.
Verse 9b & 10a
इत्युक्त्वा ते महात्मानो विविशुः स्वं स्वमाश्रमम् || १-५८-९
अथ रात्र्यां व्यतीतायां राजा चण्डालतां गतः |
On saying thus those great-souled sons of Vashishta withdrew to one’s own hermitage and when that night elapsed into day then the king lapsed into a state of basely profaner. [1-58-9b, 10a]
9b, 10a. mahaatmaanaH = those who are great-souls; te iti uktvaa = they, this way, on saying; svam svam aashramam vivishuH = entered [into their] own [their] own hermitage – they withdrew; atha raatryaam vyatiitaayaam = then, when night elapsed; raajaa caNDaalataam gataH = king, entered into state of basely profaner.
Verse 10b & 11a
नीलवस्त्रधरो नीलः परुषो ध्वस्तमूर्धजः || १-५८-१०
चित्यमाल्यानुलेपश्च आयसाभरणोऽभवत् |
He is now wearing blackish cloths which on yestereve were ochry silks, he is now a blackamoor who on yestereve was a gilt-royalty, his head-hair is shaggy which earlier was silkily soft, and his royal garlands which were richly fragrant are now funeral wreaths, and he is besmeared with crematory ashes which were regal emollients, and his royal jewellery is now rendered into iron adornments. [1-58-10b, 11a]
10b, 11a. niilavastradharaH = wearing black cloths; niilaH = a blackamoor; paruSaH = one lacking gentleness or refinement – rugged person; dhvastamuurdhajaH = born [hair, head-hair] spoiled [shaggy] head; citya = funeral/crematory; maalyaanulepaH ca = wreaths smeared items [ashes,] also; aayasaabharaNaH = iron decorations; abhavat = rendered into.
Verse 11b & 12a
तं दृष्ट्वा मंत्रिणः सर्वे त्यक्त्वा चण्डालरूपिणम् || १-५८-११
प्राद्रवन् सहिता राम पौरा येऽस्यानुगामिनः |
On seeing him in the mien of a profaner, oh, Rama, all of his ministers and the subjects and his own retinue have deserted him and took to flight in masses. [1-58-11b, 12a]
11b, 12a. raama = oh Rama; caNDaalaruupiNam = one in profaner’s mien; tam dR^iSTvaa = on seeing him; sarve = all; mantriNaH = ministers; pauraaH = citizens; ye asya anugaaminaH = subjects, who are followers [retinue]; tyaktvaa = on deserting him; sahitaa praadravan = collectively – in masses, took to flight.
Verse 12b & 13a
एको हि राजा काकुत्स्थ जगाम परमात्मवान् || १-५८-१२
दह्यमानो दिवारात्रं विश्वामित्रं तपोधनम् |
Though that resolutely self-assured king seethed for one night and day for this mishap, then went to the ascetically prosperous Vishvamitra. [1-58-12b, 13a]
12b, 13a. kaakutstha = Rama of Kakutstha; paramaatmavaan = highly [resolutely] soulful one [self-assured one]; raajaa = king; ekaH divaaraatram = for one, day and night; dahyamaanaH = being seethed; tapodhanam vishvaamitram jagaama = went to ascetically prosperous Vishvamitra.
Verse 13b & 14a
विश्वामित्रस्तु तं दृष्ट्वा राजानं विफलीकृतम् ||१-५८-१३
चण्डालरूपिणं राम मुनिः कारुण्यमागतः |
But on seeing at that mien of the king which is rendered to that of a precluded profaner from kingship and for officiating rituals etc., oh, Rama, sage Vishvamitra because sympathetic. [1-58-13b, 14a]
13b, 14a. raama = oh Rama; muniH vishvaamitraH tu = sage, Vishvamitra, on his part; viphaliikR^itam = made as fruitless [failed, precluded one] ; caNDaalaruupiNam = profaner’s in mien; tam raajaanam dR^iSTvaa = on seeing that king; kaaruNyam aagataH = [Vishvamitra] became sympathetic.
Verse 14b & 15a
कारुण्यात्स महातेजा वाक्यं परमधार्मिकः || १-५८-१४
इदं जगाद भद्रं ते राजानं घोरदर्शनम् |
The great-resplendent sage and highly generous Vishvamitra firstly said to that king who is in a terrible aspect ‘let safety betide you,’ and then spoke on this sentence to him. [1-58-14b, 15a]
14b, 15a. mahaatejaaH = great-resplendent one; paramadhaarmikaH = highly generous one; saH = he that Vishvamitra; kaaruNyaat = owing to compassion; ghoradarshanam raajaanam = who is terrible, in his aspect, to king; said this firstly; te bhadram = safety to you; and; idam vaakyam jagaada = said this sentence.
Verse 15b & 16a
किमागमनकार्यं ते राजपुत्र महाबल || १-५८-१५
अयोध्याधिपते वीर शापाच्चण्डालतां गतः |
‘What is the purpose of your visit, oh, great-mighty prince Trishanku, oh, brave lord of Ayodhya, you are accurst to the state of profaner.’ [1-58-15b, 16a]
15b, 16a. mahaabala raajaputra = oh great-mighty, king’s son – prince; te aagamanakaaryam kim = what is your work[purpose] for arrival [visit] ; ayodhyaadhipate viira = Ayodhya’s chieftain, oh brave one; shaapaat caNDaalataam gataH = you got [accurst] state of profaner by curse.
Verse 16b & 17a
अथ तद्वाक्यमाकर्ण्य राजा चण्डालतां गतः || १-५८-१६
अब्रवीत् प्रांजलिर्वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञो वाक्यकोविदम् |
Then that king who is accurst to a state of profaner on listening that sentence, as a diligent sentence maker spoke this sentence with his palms adjoined to the sententious sage Vishvamitra. [1-58-16b, 17a]
16b, 17a. atha = then; caNDaalataam gataH = accurst to state of profaner; vaakyaj~naH raajaa = sentence knower, king – diligent king, Trishanku; tat vaakyam aakarNya = on listening that sentence; praanjaliH vaakyakovidam vaakyam abraviit = spoke sentence to sententious Vishvamitra with adjoined-palms.
Verse 17b & 18a
प्रत्याख्यातोऽस्मि गुरुणा गुरुपुत्रैस्तथैव च || १-५८-१७
अनवाप्यैव तं कामं मया प्राप्तो विपर्ययः |
I am spurned off by my mentor Vashishta and also like that by his sons. My aspiration remained unachievable, besides, this discrepancy has bechanced upon me. [1-58-17b, 18a]
17b, 18a. guruNaa = by mentor; tathaa eva ca = like that, also; guruputraiH = by mentor’s sons; pratyaakhyaataH asmi = I am spurned off; tam kaamam anavaapya eva = that, aspiration, not achieved, thus; mayaa = by me; viparyayaH = negative effect [discrepancy]; praaptaH = bechanced – I obtained.
Verse 18b & 19a
सशरीरो दिवं यायामिति मे सौम्य दर्शन || १-५८-१८
मया चेष्टं क्रतुशतं तच्च नावाप्यते फलम् |
‘Oh, gentle Vishvamitra, my aspiration is nothing but to go to heaven with my body. I have performed hundred rituals but I have not achieved the fruit.’ Thus Trishanku started tell his sad tale.
18b, 19a. saumya = oh gentle Vishvamitra; sashariiraH divam yaayaam = I go to heaven with body ; iti me darshana = thus, my, opinion; mayaa kratushatam iSTam = hundred rituals are performed [earlier] by me; tat phalam na avaapyate = that, fruit, not, achieved.
Verse 19b & 20a
अनृतं नोक्तपूर्वं मे न च वक्ष्ये कदाचन || १-५८-१९
कृच्छ्रेष्वपि गतः सौम्य क्षत्रधर्मेण ते शपे |
And now if you doubt me to be a liar, I am no liar either. I spoke no lie heretofore, and even if I were to land into any predicament I do not speak lies anytime hereinafter. Oh, gentle sage, this I pledge you upon my virtue of Kshatriya-hood. [1-58-19, 20a]
19b, 20a. saumya = oh gentle one; me = by me; anR^itam na uktapuurvam = lie, not, said, heretofore; kadaacana = any time [hereinafter]; kR^icChreSu gataH api = even if going into predicament; na vakSye = not, going to speak [a lie]; kSatradharmeNa te shape = I take pledge on you by Kshatriya’s virtue.
Verse 20b & 21a
यज्ञैर्बहुविधैरिष्टं प्रजाधर्मेण पालिताः || १-५८-२०
गुरवश्च महात्मानः शीलवृत्तेन तोषिताः |
I have propitiated gods with many kinds of Vedic-rituals. I have reigned over people conscientiously. And with my conduct and comport the high-souled savants are also pleased. [1-58-20b, 21a]
20b, 21a. bahuvidhaiH yaj~naiH iSTam = propitiated gods with many kinds of Vedic-rituals; prajaadharmeNa paalitaaH = people conscientiously, reigned over; mahaatmaanaH = high-souled ones; guravaH ca = savants, also; shiilavR^ittena toSitaaH = pleased by conduct, by comport.
Verse 21b & 22a
धर्मे प्रयतमानस्य यज्ञं चाहर्तुमिच्छतः || १-५८-२१
परितोषं न गच्छन्ति गुरवो मुनिपुंगव |
While I am a pursuant in probity I expect to avail myself of the fruition of this kind of Vedic-ritual. Oh, eminent sage Vishvamitra, but my mentors are not deriving complete contentment by my pursuit. Hence, they shove me off. [1-58-21b, 22a]
21b, 22a. munipungava = oh the eminent saint; dharme prayatamaanasya = being a pursuant in probity ; yaj~nam aahartum = to avail of ritual; icChataH ca = one who is expectant also; in my case; guravaH = to mentors; paritoSam = complete contentment; na gacChanti = they are not getting at – not deriving.
Verse 22b & 23a
दैवमेव परं मन्ये पौरुषं तु निरर्थकम् || १-५८-२२
दैवेनाक्रम्यते सर्वं दैवं हि परमा गतिः |
I deem destiny is the only ultimate, and manly efforts are meaningless, for destiny surmounts everything. Destiny is the ultimate course, isn’t it? [1-58-22b, 23a]
22b, 23a. daivam eva param manye = I deem destiny only is ultimate; pauruSam tu nirarthakam = but manly effort is meaningless; daivena aakramyate sarvam = everything surmounts by god [destiny] ; daivam paramaa gatiH hi = god [destiny] is ultimate, course, isn’t it.
Verse 24
नान्यां गतिं गमिष्यामि नान्यः शरणमस्ति मे |
दैवं पुरुषकारेण निवर्तयितुमर्हसि || १-५८-२४
” ‘In no alternate course I wish to course through and no alternative shelter is there for me. Hence, it will be apt of you, a god in man’s mien, to countervail my destiny.’ Thus Trishanku prayed for the grace of Vishvamitra…” So said Sage Shataananda to Rama and others continuing the legend of Vishvamitra. [1-58-24]
24. anyaam gatim na gamiSyaami = I do not wish to course through alternate course; me anyaH sharaNam na asti = to me, alternative, shelterer, is not there; daivam puruSakaareNa = god/destiny, in man’s, mien; nivartayitum arhasi = apt of you to counter move [vail] .
Verse 23b & c
तस्य मे परमार्तस्य प्रसादमभिकांक्षतः |
कर्तुमर्हसि भद्रं ते दैवोपहतकर्मणः || १-५८-२३
A highly anguished endeavourer, marred by destiny, a sincere requester, such as I am, it will be apt of you to accord, you be safe, your favour upon me. [1-58-23b, c]
23b, c. paramaartasya = for highly anguished one; abhikaankSataH = looking forward to – a sincere requester; daivopahatakarmaNaH = endeavourer marred by destiny; tasya me = such as, as I am; prasaadam kartum arhasi = favour, to do [to accord,] apt of you; te bhadram = let safety be there to you.
