Viswamitra's compassion for a cursed king leads to a grand sacrifice, but insults from Vasishta's sons provoke a terrible curse. Epic drama unfolds in the Ramayana. 

Viswamitra's Invitation and Curse (Shlokas 1.59.1 - 1.59.22)

Viswamitra's Compassion (Shlokas 1.59.1 - 1.59.5)

Viswamitra, son of Kushika, heard the king's words and observed his chandala (outcaste) form. Moved by compassion, Viswamitra addressed the king with gentle words:

"Welcome, O descendant of Ikshvaku. I recognize your righteousness, my child. Have no fear, eminent king, for I shall be your protector. I will invite all the great sages of pious deeds to assist in your sacrifice. With their help, you will perform the ritual without worry.

Your current form is the result of your guru's curse. Yet, even with this body, you shall ascend to heaven. O king, I believe you have already secured your place in heaven by seeking refuge with me, Viswamitra, the protector of those who come for help."

Preparations for the Sacrifice (Shlokas 1.59.6 - 1.59.11)

The brilliant sage then instructed his virtuous and learned sons to prepare for the sacrifice. Viswamitra summoned all his disciples and commanded:

• "Bring here all the hosts of rishis (sages) by my order.

• Include their disciples, friends, officiating priests, and learned scholars.

• Report to me if anyone speaks disrespectfully about my instructions."

Hearing this, the disciples departed in all directions. Soon, Vedic scholars began arriving from various countries. Upon their return, the disciples informed the radiant sage:

"All the brahmins (priests), having heard your invitation, are coming from all countries. However, Mahodaya is not among them."

The Curse on Vasishta's Sons (Shlokas 1.59.12 - 1.59.22)

The disciples then relayed the angry words of Vasishta's hundred sons:

"How can gods and sages partake in offerings when a kshatriya (warrior class) acts as a priest, especially for a chandala? How will the great brahmins attain heaven after consuming food offered by a chandala, even under Viswamitra's protection?"

Hearing these harsh words from Vasishta's sons and Mahodaya, Viswamitra, the foremost among ascetics, spoke furiously with eyes reddened in anger:

"These wicked ones who have unjustly criticized me, despite my blameless conduct and rigorous penance, shall face these consequences:

1. They will be reduced to ashes without doubt.

2. Caught by death's noose today, they shall be brought to Yama's (god of death) abode.

3. For seven hundred births, they shall feed on corpses.

4. Reborn as the merciless Mushtika race, they will:

   • Feed on dog flesh

   • Appear hideous and deformed

   • Wander these worlds in misery

As for the foolish Mahodaya, who dared to blame me unjustly:

• He shall be reborn as a Nishada (tribal hunter).

• He will face abuse in all worlds.

• Engaged in taking lives and devoid of mercy, he shall endure a wretched life for a long time due to my anger."

After pronouncing this curse in the assembly of rishis, the powerful sage Viswamitra, known for his fierce asceticism, fell silent.

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