Viswamitra's Anger Vasishtha's Counsel

Viswamitra's Anger and Vasishtha's Intervention (Shlokas 1.21.1 - 1.21.20)

Viswamitra's Reaction (1.21.1 - 1.21.3)

Viswamitra listened to King Dasaratha's affectionate yet confusing words. Angered, he addressed the king:

"You promised to help me, but now you want to break that promise. This breach of vow is improper for the Raghu dynasty. If you think this is right, I'll leave. You've broken your word, Kakutstha (descendant of Kakutstha). Be happy with your family."

The World's Reaction (1.21.4 - 1.21.5)

The wise Viswamitra's anger grew. The entire earth shook. Fear gripped the devas (gods). Seeing the world frightened, the great rishi (sage) Vasishtha spoke to the king. Vasishtha was known for his ascetic practices and steadfast duty.

Vasishtha's Counsel (1.21.6 - 1.21.9)

Vasishtha said to Dasaratha:

"You're born in the Ikshvaku line, like the god of righteousness himself. You're firm, virtuous, and auspicious. Don't abandon your promise. You're known as righteous in all three worlds. Follow your duty. Don't do what's unjust. Breaking a promise destroys the merits of previous good deeds. Send Rama with Viswamitra.

Rama will be safe. Whether he's trained in weapons or not, rakshasas (demons) can't harm him when Viswamitra protects him. Viswamitra's protection is like fire guarding nectar."

Praise of Viswamitra (1.21.10 - 1.21.14)

Vasishtha continued praising Viswamitra:

"Viswamitra embodies righteousness. He excels among the powerful. His intellect surpasses all in this world. He's supreme in asceticism. He knows various weapons unknown to others in the three worlds. These others include:

• Gods

• Sages

• Asuras (demons)

• Rakshasas (demons)

• Gandharvas (celestial musicians)

• Yakshas (nature spirits)

• Kinnaras (celestial beings)

• Mighty serpents

Bhrisasva's virtuous sons gave all these weapons to Viswamitra when he ruled the kingdom. These weapons are like Bhrisasva's sons, grandsons of Prajapati (the creator). They take many forms, are powerful, glorious, and bring victory."

The Origin of Divine Weapons (1.21.15 - 1.21.18)

"Jaya and Suprabha, Daksha's slender-waisted daughters, gave birth to divine weapons:

1. Jaya bore fifty sons to destroy asura armies. They can change form at will.

2. Suprabha bore fifty more sons called Samharas. They are unassailable, invincible, and more powerful.

Viswamitra knows these weapons well. He can even create new ones."

Vasishtha's Final Advice (1.21.19 - 1.21.20)

"Viswamitra is highly effulgent and renowned. Don't doubt sending Rama with him. Viswamitra can subdue those rakshasas himself. Yet he asks for Rama's company for your son's benefit."

King Dasaratha's Decision (Shloka 1.21.21)

The King's Response to Vasishtha's Counsel

Dasaratha, the foremost of the Raghus (Raghu dynasty), listened to the sage's words. His mind became calm. His body glowed with satisfaction. The king, known for his great fame, agreed to let Rama go with Viswamitra (son of Kusika).

Thus ends the twenty first sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.