Viswamitra's Transformation from King

Discover Satananda's inquiries about Rama and Viswamitra's past. Uncover Viswamitra's royal lineage and his journey to Vasishta's extraordinary hermitage in this Ramayana excerpt. 

Satananda's Reaction (Shlokas 1.51.1 - 1.51.2)

Satananda, the eldest son of sage Gautama, was thrilled to hear the words of the wise Viswamitra. Satananda, who radiated with the power of his austerities, was amazed upon seeing Rama.

Satananda's Questions (Shlokas 1.51.3 - 1.51.9)

Observing the two princes comfortably seated, Satananda addressed Viswamitra:

1. "O great sage, did you show my renowned mother, who has been practicing intense austerities, to Prince Rama?" (Shloka 1.51.4)

2. "Did my celebrated mother offer homage to Rama, who is worthy of reverence by all beings, with forest offerings?" (Shloka 1.51.5)

3. "Was Rama told the old story about the misfortune that befell my mother due to divine intervention?" (Shloka 1.51.6)

4. "O Viswamitra, has my mother been reunited with my father as a result of seeing Rama?" (Shloka 1.51.7)

5. "Was Rama honored by my father? Did the brilliant Rama receive honors from my illustrious father upon his arrival?" (Shloka 1.51.8)

6. "O son of Kushika, did the pious Rama respectfully greet my father with a calm mind when he arrived?" (Shloka 1.51.9)

Viswamitra's Response (Shlokas 1.51.10 - 1.51.11)

The great sage Viswamitra, skilled in speech, replied to Satananda:

"O best of ascetics, I have done everything that needed to be done. Your mother Ahalya has been reunited with sage Gautama, just as Renuka was with Jamadagni."

Satananda Addresses Rama (Shlokas 1.51.12 - 1.51.16)

Upon hearing Viswamitra's words, the brilliant Satananda said to Rama:

"Welcome, O best of men! You are fortunate to have come here following the invincible sage Viswamitra. Viswamitra, of unparalleled radiance, has performed incredible deeds through his austerities. Know him as the supreme guide. Rama, there is no one more fortunate than you on this earth, for you have the son of Kushika, who has performed great austerities, as your protector. Now, listen as I tell you about the power and achievements of the magnanimous Viswamitra."

Viswamitra's Lineage and Early Life (Shlokas 1.51.17 - 1.51.20)

• Viswamitra ruled as a righteous king for a long time, knowledgeable in dharma (righteousness and cosmic order) and devoted to his subjects' welfare.

• His lineage:

  1. Kusa (son of Brahma)

  2. Kusanabha (son of Kusa)

  3. Gadhi (son of Kusanabha)

  4. Viswamitra (son of Gadhi)

• Viswamitra governed the earth as a king for thousands of years.

Viswamitra's Journey (Shlokas 1.51.21 - 1.51.28)

Once, Viswamitra assembled a vast army and traveled around the earth, visiting various places. His journey included:

• Cities and kingdoms

• Rivers and mountains

• Various hermitages

Finally, Viswamitra reached Vasishta's hermitage, which was extraordinary in many ways:

1. Natural abundance:

   • Filled with various trees and animals

   • Home to peaceful deer and birds

2. Divine inhabitants:

   • Inhabited by siddhas (accomplished beings), charanas (celestial performers), devas (gods), danavas (demons), gandharvas (celestial musicians), and kinnaras (mythical beings)

3. Holy residents:

   • Occupied by brahmarshis (sages of the highest order) and devarshis (divine sages)

4. Diverse ascetic practices:

   • Those subsisting on water or air

   • Those eating fallen leaves, fruits, or roots

   • Self-controlled sages who had conquered anger

   • Those devoted to prayers and fire offerings

5. Special sages:

   • Adorned with Valakhilyas (thumb-sized sages born from Brahma)

   • Vaikhanasas (sages born from Brahma's nails)

Viswamitra, the foremost of conquerors, saw Vasishta's hermitage as a second Brahmaloka (the abode of Brahma).

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