Introduction

Sage Vishvamitra curses his sons as they defy his orders and accords two esoteric hymns to Shunashepa, for chanting them in the Vedic-ritual of Ambariisha. Shunashepa gets longevity on chanting those hymns. Thus Vishvamitra not only creates another universe as in Trishanku’s episode, he even accords longevity, or even deathlessness to mortals by his ascetic power. Such as he is, he is the mentor of Rama, and hence Sage Shataananda informs Rama about the capabilities of his own mentor, Vishvamitra, in these many episodes.

Verse 1

शुनःशेपं नरश्रेष्ठ गृहीत्वा तु महायशाः |
व्यश्रामत् पुष्करे राजा मध्याह्ने रघुनंदन || १-६२-१

“Oh, Rama, the best one among men and the legatee of Raghu, on taking Shunashepa that highly renowned king Ambariisha took rest at noontime on the lakeside of Holy Lake.” Thus Sage Shataananda continued the legend of Shunashepa, as a part of Vishvamitra’s legend. [1-62-1]

1. narashreSTha = oh best among men, Rama; raghunandana = oh Raghu’s legatee; mahaayashaaH raajaa = highly renowned one, that king Ambariisha; shunaHshepam gR^ihiitvaa = on taking Shunashepa; madhyaahne = in mid day – at noontime; puSkare vyashraamat = took rest at holy lakeside.

Verse 2 & 3a

तस्य विश्रममाणस्य शुनःशेपो महायशाः |
पुष्करं ज्येष्ठमागम्य विश्वामित्रं ददर्श ह || १-६२-२
तप्यन्तमृषिभिः सार्धं मातुलं परमातुरः |

While the king Ambariisha is taking rest that highly brilliant Shunashepa came to the lakeside of main Holy Lake with high anxiety, and there he indeed saw his maternal uncle Sage Vishvamitra who is performing ascesis along with other sages. [1-62-2, 3a]

2, 3a: tasya = his [Ambariisha]; vishramamaaNasya = while resting; mahaayashaaH shunaHshepaH = highly brilliant, Shunashepa; paramaaturaH = with high anxiety; jyeSTham puSkaram aagamya = elder [main one,] having come to holy lakeside; R^iSibhiH saardham tapyantam = performing ascesis along with [other] sages ; maatulam vishvaamitram dadarsha ha = he [Shunashepa] saw maternal uncle Vishvamitra, indeed.

Verse 3b & 4a

विषण्णवदनो दीनस्तृष्णया च श्रमेण च || १-६२-३
पपाताङ्के मुने राम वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह |

Shunashepa became pitiable and sulky faced by strain and thirst, oh, Rama, and he immediately fell in the lap of saint Vishvamitra saying this sentence. [1-62-3b, 4a]

3b, 4a. raama = oh Rama; tR^iSNayaa ca shrameNa ca = by thirst, also, by strain, also; viSaNNavadanaH = sulky faced; diinaH = became pitiable; [aashu = immediately]; muneH anke papaata = fell down in saint Vishvamitra’s flank [lap] ; idam vaakyam uvaaca ha = said this sentence, indeed.

Verse 4b & 5a

न मेऽस्ति माता न पिता ज्ञातयो बान्धवाः कुतः || १-६२-४
त्रातुमर्हसि मां सौम्य धर्मेण मुनिपुंगव |

I have no mother or a father to save me. Then wherefore cousins or relatives will be there to protect me. Oh, peaceable saint the eminent, it will be apt of you to protect me according to saintliness. [1-62-4b, 5a]

4b, 5a. saumya munipungava = oh peaceable, sage; me maataa na asti = to me, mother,is not there; pitaa na = nor father; j~naatayaH baandhavaaH kutaH = wherefore cousins and relatives; maam dharmeNa traatum arhasi = apt of you to protect me according to saintliness.

Verse 5b & 6

त्राता त्वं हि नरश्रेष्ठ सर्वेषां त्वं हि भावनः || १-६२-५
राजा च कृतकार्यः स्यादहं दीर्घायुरव्ययः |
स्वर्गलोकमुपाश्नीयां तपस्तप्त्वा ह्यनुत्तमम् || १-६२-६

Oh, illustrious sage, you alone are the saviour to each and every one, isn’t it! You alone are the guardian angel, isn’t it! Hence, let the purpose of the king Ambariisha be achieved, and let longevity come to me, and I on becoming imperishable and indeed on performing an unexcelled ascesis, I wish to enjoy in heavenly worlds. [1-62-5b, 6]

5b, 6. narashreSTha = oh best one among men – illustrious sage; tvam sarveSaam traataa hi = you are, saviour to each and every one, isn’t it; tvam bhaavanaH hi = you are, apologist – upholder – guardian angel, isn’t it; raajaa ca kR^itakaaryaH syaat = let king Ambariisha also be achieved [of his] purpose; aham diirghaayuH = I, with long life; avyayaH = not spent on becoming imperishable; anuttamam tapaH taptvaa hi = on performing un excelled ascesis, indeed; svargalokam upaashniiyaam = I wish to enjoy heavenly worlds.

Verse 7

स मे नाथो ह्यनाथस्य भव भव्येन चेतसा |
पितेव पुत्रं धर्मात्मंस्त्रातुमर्हसि किल्बिषात् || १-६२-७

‘ You shall be my providence with a providential sentiment as I stand unprotected, and oh, virtue souled one, it will be apt of you to protect me from misfortune, like a father protecting his own son.’ Thus Shunashepa appealed to Vishvamitra. [1-62-7]

7. anaathasya = for unprotected one; me = to me; saH = such as you are; [tvam = you]; bhavyena cetasaa hi = with providential, sentiment, indeed; naathaH bhava = you become [my] providence; dharmaaatman = oh virtue-souled one; pitaa putram iva = father, as for son; kilbiSaat traatum arhasi = apt of you to protect from misfortune.

Verse 8

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा विश्वामित्रो महातपाः |
सान्त्वयित्वा बहुविधं पुत्रानिदमुवाच ह || १-६२-८

On hearing that sentence of Shunashepa and on pacifying him in many ways, Vishvamitra of higher ascesis, indeed said this to his sons. [1-62-8]

8. mahaatapaaH vishvaamitraH = of higher ascesis, Vishvamitra; tasya tat vacanam shrutvaa = on hearing his [of Shunashepa] that sentence; bahuvidham saantvayitvaa = having pacified in many ways; putraan idam uvaaca ha = said this to [his] sons, indeed.

Verse 9

यत्कृते पितरः पुत्रान् जनयन्ति शुभार्थिनः |
परलोकहितार्थाय तस्य कालोऽयमागतः || १-६२-९

For what reason parents engender sons, desiring positivity and for the purpose of welfare in the other worlds, this is the time that has come for fulfilling that reason. [1-62-9]

9. shubhaarthinaH pitaraH = parents, desirers of positivity; yat kR^ite = for what, reason; paralokahitaarthaaya = for the purpose of welfare in other world ; putraan janayanti = engender sons; tasya = its [that reason’s]; ayam kaalaH aagataH = this [is that,] time, [that] has come.

Verse 10

अयं मुनिसुतो बालो मत्तः शरणमिच्छति |
अस्य जीवितमात्रेण प्रियं कुरुत पुत्रकाः || १-६२-१०

This youngster is the son of sage and he aspires shelter from me. Hence, oh, sons, give him satisfaction just by giving life to him. [1-62-10]

10. munisutaH ayam baalaH = this youngster is sage’s son; mattaH = from me; sharaNam icChati = aspires shelter; putrakaaH = oh sons; asya = to him; jiivitamaatreNa = just [by giving] life; priyam kuruta = satisfaction, be given.

Verse 11

सर्वे सुकृतकर्माणः सर्वे धर्मपरायणाः |
पशुभूता नरेन्द्रस्य तृप्तिमग्नेः प्रयच्छत || १-६२-११

You all have done very good pious deeds and you all abide by probity. Hence, you bestow appeasement to Fire-god on your becoming the ritual-animals of king Ambariisha in lieu of this boy Shunashepa. [1-62-11]

11. sarve = all of you; sukR^itakarmaaNaH = well done pious deeds; sarve dharmaparaayaNaaH = you all, have abidance in probity; narendrasya = of the king; pashubhuutaa = on becoming [ritual] animal ; agneH tR^iptim prayacChata = you bestow appeasement to Fire-god.

Verse 12

नाथनान् च शुनःशेपो यज्ञश्चाविघ्नतो भवेत् |
देवतास्तर्पिताश्च स्युर्मम चापि कृतं वचः || १-६२-१२

‘As a result, Shunashepa will have protectors, Vedic-ritual will be unimpeded, gods will be oblated, and my word too will be actualised.’ Thus Vishvamitra said to his sons. [1-62-12]

12. shunaHshepaH naathanaan ca = Shunashepa will be, with protectors, also; yaj~naH ca avighnataH bhavet = Vedic-ritual also become unimpeded ; devataaH tarpitaaH ca syuH = gods will be oblated, also; mama vacaH ca api kR^itam = my word, also, even, actualised.

Verse 13

मुनेस्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा मधुष्यन्दादयः सुताः |
साभिमानं नरश्रेष्ठ सलीलमिदमब्रुवन् || १-६२-१३

But on hearing the saying of the sage, oh, Rama, the best of men, Madhushyanda and the other sons of Vishvamitra said this, haughtily and disparagingly. [1-62-13]

13. narashreSTha = oh the best man, Rama; madhuSyandaadayaH sutaaH tu = Madhusyanda and other, sons – of Vishvamitra, on their part; muneH vacanam shrutvaa = on hearing sage’s saying; saabhimaanam = with haughtiness; saliilam = with disparage; idam abruvan = said this.

Verse 14

कथमात्मसुतान् हित्वा त्रायसेऽन्यसुतं विभो |
अकार्यमिव पश्यामः श्वमांसमिव भोजने || १-६२-१४

‘On sacrificing your own sons how can you save another’s son, oh, lordly father, we deem this as a wrongdoing and as good as dog’s meat in a dinner.’ Thus the sons of Vishvamitra replied their father. [1-62-14]

14. vibho = oh lordly [father]; aatmasutaan hitvaa = on leaving off [sacrificing] your own sons; anyasutam katham traayase = how you save other’s son; bhojane shvamaamsam iva = as [good as] dog’s meat in dinner ; akaaryam iva pashyaamaH = we see [we deem] as wrong doing.

Verse 15

तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा पुत्राणां मुनिपुंगवः |
क्रोधसंरक्तनयनो व्याहर्तुमुपचक्रमे || १-६२-१५

On listening that saying of his sons that eminent sage Vishvamitra started to curse them while fury reddened his eyes. [1-62-15]

15. munipungavaH = the eminent sage; teSaam putraaNaam tat vacanam shrutvaa = on listening that saying of their sons; krodhasamraktanayanaH = reddening eyes with fury; vyaahartum upacakrame = started to speak [to curse].

Verse 16

निःसाध्वसमिदं प्रोक्तं धर्मादपि विगर्हितम् |
अतिक्रम्य तु मद्वाक्यं दारुणं रोमहर्षणम् || १-६२-१६

You all have not only transgressed my word, but pertly replied me in an impudent manner which is abhorrent and hair-raising, and recriminatory according to probity. [1-62-16]

16. mat vaakyam atikramya = [you all] on over stepping – on transgressing my word; dharmaat api = according to probity, even; vigarhitam = verily recriminatory; daaruNam = abhorrent; romaharSaNam = hair-raising; idam = this – in this way; niHsaadhvasam = impudently; proktam = verily said – pertly replied me.

Verse 17

श्वमांसभोजिनः सर्वे वासिष्ठा इव जातिषु |
पूर्णं वर्षसहस्रं तु पृथिव्यामनुवत्स्यथ || १-६२-१७

‘You all will be whirling around the earth totally for a thousand years taking birth in the race that subsists on dog’s meat, like the sons of Vashishta.’ Thus Vishvamitra cursed his sons. [1-62-17]

17. sarve = you all; shvamaamsabhojinaH = while subsisting on dog’s meat ; puurNam varSasahasram tu = for complete thousand years, but; pR^ithivyaam = on earth; vaasiSThaaH iva = Vashishta’s [sons,] like; jaatiSu = in race of [Mustika-s]; anuvatsyatha = whirl around.

Verse 18

कृत्वा शापसमायुक्तान् पुत्रान् मुनिवरस्तदा |
शुनःशेपमुवाचार्थं कृत्वा रक्षां निरामयाम् || १-६२-१८

On making his sons bounden by curse, then that best saint spoke to the pitiable Shunashepa, on making unharmed invulnerability to him with sanctifying hymns. [1-62-18]

18. munivaraH = the best saint; putraan shaapasamaayuktaan = sons, bounden by curse; kR^itvaa = on making – on cursing; tadaa = then; niraamayaam rakSaam kR^itvaa = on making unharmed invulnerability; aartam shunaHshepam uvaaca = spoke to pitiable Shunashepa.

Verse 19

पवित्रपाशैर्बद्धो रक्तमाल्यानुलेपनः |
वैष्णवं यूपमासाद्य वाग्भिरग्निमुदाहर || १-६२-१९

When you are fastened with sacred fastener to the sacrificial post of Vishnu, smeared with red paste and garlanded with red garlands, you praisefully address the Fire-god with the words I going to impart to you in Vedic hymns. [1-62-19]

19. vaiSNavam yuupam aasaadya = on attaining Vishnu’s sacrificial post [when you are fastened]; pavitrapaashaiH baddhaH = when fastened by sacred fastener ; raktamaalyaanulepanaH = smeared with red garlands and [red] paste; such as you are you; vaagbhiH = with word [with hymns I am going to tell]; agnim udaahara = to Fire-god, you address [you praise him] Fire-god.

Verse 20

इमे च गाथे द्वे दिव्ये गायेथा मुनिपुत्रक |
अंबरीषस्य यज्ञेऽस्मिंस्ततः सिद्धिमवाप्स्यसि || १-६२-२०

‘These two divine hymns, oh, son of saint, shall be chanted in the Vedic-ritual of Ambariisha, then you will obtain your aspiration.’ Thus Vishvamitra taught two Vedic hymns to the boy. [1-62-20]

20. muniputraka = oh saint’s son; ambariiSasya asmin yaj~ne = in that Vedic-ritual of Ambariisha; ime dve divye gaathe = these, two, divine, songs [hymns]; gaayethaaH = be sung [ chanted]; tataH siddhim avaapsyasi = then, you will obtain aspiration.

Verse 21

शुनःशेपो गृहीत्वा ते द्वे गाथे सुसमाहितः |
त्वरया राजसिंहं तमंबरीषमुवाच ह || १-६२-२१

Shunashepa having taken those two hymns from Vishvamitra very attentively has instantly gone to that lion-king Ambariisha and indeed spoke to him. [1-62-21]

21. shunaHshepaH = Shunashepa; susamaahitaH = very attentively; te dve gaathe gR^ihiitvaa = having taken those two hymns; raajasimham = to the lion-king; tam ambariiSam = to him, to Ambariisha; tvarayaa [gatvaa] = instantly [on going to]; uvaaca ha = spoke, indeed.

Verse 22

राजसिंह महाबुद्धे शीघ्रं गच्छावहे वयम् |
निवर्तयस्व राजेन्द्र दीक्षां च समुदाहर || १-६२-२२

‘Oh, the lion-king, let us go promptly to your ritual place, oh, best king, you may apply yourself to your pledge in completing the ritual, with me as its sacrificial animal,’ thus the boy said. [1-62-22]

22. mahaabuddhe = oh highly intellectual one; raajasimha = oh the lion-king ; [sadaH = to your ritual place]; vayam shiighram gacChaavahe = we, go promptly; raajendra = oh the best king; diikSaam nivartayasva = apply yourself to pledge; [iti = this way]; samudaahara = said.

Verse 23

तद्वाक्यमृषिपुत्रस्य श्रुत्वा हर्षसमन्वितः |
जगाम नृपतिः शीघ्रं यज्ञवाटमतन्द्रितः || १-६२-२३

On listening that sentence of the son of sage, the king Ambariisha is gladdened and proceeded to the ritual hall immediately and spiritedly. [1-62-23]

23. nR^ipatiH = king; R^iSiputrasya tat vaakyam shrutvaa = on listening that sentence of sage’s son; harSasamanvitaH = along with [gladdened] gladness; atandritaH = not lazily – spiritedly; yaj~navaaTam = to ritual shed [hall]; shiighram jagaama = immediately, proceeded.

Verse 24

सदस्यानुमते राजा पवित्रकृतलक्षणम् |
पशुं रक्ताम्बरं कृत्वा यूपे तं समबन्धयत् || १-६२-२४

The king with the permission of officiators of ritual got the boy prepared as a ritual animal with sanctified bodily features and clad him in red clothes and got him securely fastened to the sacrificial post. [1-62-24]

24. raajaa = king; sadasya anumate = by officiators’ permission ; tam = him [Shunashepa]; pavitrakR^italakSaNam = sanctity, prepared with features [got the boy is prepared with bodily features of sanctity]; raktaambaram pashum = with red cloth ritual animal; kR^itvaa = made [clad him in red clothes]; yuupe samabandhayat = securely fastened to sacrificial post.

Verse 25

स बद्धो वाग्भिरग्र्याभिरभितुष्टाव वै सुरौ |
इन्द्रमिन्द्रानुजं चैव यथावन्मुनिपुत्रकः || १-६२-२५

When Shunashepa is tied to ritual post he immensely pleased two gods, namely Indra and Upendra as well, with those two hymns he got from Vishvamitra. [1-62-25]

25. baddhaH saH muniputrakaH = when tied, that saint’s son – Shunashepa; indram = Indra; indraanujam ca eva = as well as Indra’s brother [Upendra] ; surau = these two gods; agryaabhiH = with superior ones; vaagbhiH = with words [two hymns]; yathaavat = as per [scriptures]; abhituSTaava vai = highly pleased, indeed.

Verse 28

विश्वामित्रोऽपि धर्मात्मा भूयस्तेपे महातपाः |
पुष्करेषु नरश्रेष्ठ दशवर्षशतानि च || १-६२-२८

“Oh, Rama, the best among men, even the virtue-souled great ascetic Vishvamitra again performed ascesis at the same Holy lakeside for another thousand years.” Thus Sage Shataananda continued the narration of Vishvamitra’s legend. [1-62-28]

28. narashreSTha = oh best one among men, Rama; dharmaatmaa = virtue-soled sage; mahaatapaaH = great ascetic; vishvaamitraH api = Vishvamitra, even; puSkareSu = at Holy place; dashavarSashataani ca = ten hundred years, also; bhuuyaH tepe = again, performed ascesis.

Verse 26

ततः प्रीतः सहस्राक्षो रहस्यस्तुतितोषितः |
दीर्घमायुस्तदा प्रादाच्छुनःशेपाय राघव || १-६२-२६

Then the Thousand-eyed Indra who is satisfied with esoteric laudation is gladdened, and oh, Raghava, then he bestowed longevity to Shunashepa. [1-62-26]

26. raaghava = oh Raghava; tataH = then; rahasyastutitoSitaH = who is satisfied by esoteric laudation; sahasraakSaH = thousand eyed god Indra; priitaH = is gladdened; tadaa = then; shunaHshepaaya = for Shunashepa; diirgham aayuH praadaat = bestowed long life [longevity] .

Verse 27

स च राजा नरश्रेष्ठ यज्ञस्य च समाप्तवान् |
फलं बहुगुणं राम सहस्राक्षप्रसादजम् || १-६२-२७

Oh, Rama, the best one among men, he that king Ambariisha also obtained the fruits of that Vedic-ritual in manyfold, resulted from the grace of Thousand-eyed Indra. [1-62-27]

27. narashreSTha = oh best one among men, Rama; raama = oh Rama; saH raajaa ca = he, that king, also; sahasraakSaprasaadajam = caused by Thousand-eyed Indra’s grace; bahuguNam = many fold; yaj~nasya phalam ca samaaptavaan = also, well obtained fruit of Vedic-ritual.