Viswamitra's Transformation from King (Final)

Viswamitra's journey to Brahmarshi status through intense austerities, divine tests, and recognition. Witness the sage's unwavering resolve and its impact on the cosmic order. 

Viswamitra's Intense Austerities (Shlokas 1.65.1 - 1.65.7)

After leaving the Himalayan region, the great sage Viswamitra journeyed to the eastern quarter. There, he undertook rigorous austerities:

1. Observed an unparalleled vow of silence for a thousand years

2. Practiced extremely difficult penances

As the thousand-year period concluded, Viswamitra became as still as a piece of wood. Despite numerous obstacles, he:

• Remained unshaken

• Kept anger from entering his mind

• Continued his austerities with unwavering determination

When his thousand-year vow ended, Viswamitra prepared to eat some cooked rice. However, Indra, the king of gods, disguised himself as a brahmin (priest) and approached Viswamitra, asking for the food.

The Test of Indra and Viswamitra's Resolve (Shlokas 1.65.8 - 1.65.15)

Viswamitra, steadfast in his vow of silence, gave all the prepared food to the disguised Indra without uttering a word. Then, he resumed his austerities for another thousand years, this time suspending his breath.

The effects of Viswamitra's intense penance were profound:

• Smoke began to emanate from his head

• The three worlds (earth, atmosphere, and heaven) were frightened

• It appeared as though the worlds were on fire

The intensity of Viswamitra's penance had far-reaching consequences:

• Devas (gods), gandharvas (celestial musicians), pannagas (serpent beings), uragas (snakes), and rakshasas (demons) were bewildered

• Their own glory dimmed in comparison to Viswamitra's luster

Afflicted with anguish, they appealed to Brahma, the creator, saying:

"O Divine Lord, the great sage Viswamitra has been tempted and angered in various ways, yet his austerities continue to grow. We cannot detect even the slightest flaw in his practice. If his desires are not granted, he may destroy the three worlds, including all movable and immovable beings, with his ascetic power."

The Gods' Appeal to Brahma (Shlokas 1.65.16 - 1.65.23)

The gods described the chaos resulting from Viswamitra's penance:

• Bewilderment everywhere

• Darkness all around

• Agitated oceans

• Cracking mountains

They pleaded with Brahma to appease Viswamitra before he decided to destroy the three worlds.

Viswamitra, now effulgent like fire, made his desires known:

1. To be accepted as a Brahmarshi (the highest class of sages) by:

   • Omkara (the sacred syllable Om)

   • Vashatkara (a Vedic chant)

   • The Vedas

2. To be addressed as "Brahmarshi" by Vasishtha, who was:

   • Son of Brahma

   • Most knowledgeable in both Kshatriya (warrior) and Brahmin Vedas

Viswamitra declared that if these supreme desires were granted, the gods could depart.

Viswamitra's Recognition as a Brahmarshi (Shlokas 1.65.24 - 1.65.31)

In response to Viswamitra's demands:

1. The gods appealed to Vasishtha, the best among ascetics

2. Vasishtha, pleased by their request:

   • Extended his friendship to Viswamitra

   • Declared, "You are indeed a Brahmarshi. Let it be so. You will achieve ascetic perfection."

Following this recognition:

• The gods returned to their respective abodes

• Viswamitra, having attained excellent brahminhood, paid homage to Brahmarshi Vasishtha

Viswamitra, his desire fulfilled, wandered the earth, firmly established in his ascetic practices. Through his intense dedication and austerities, he had acquired the status of a brahmin.

Janaka's Praise and Invitation (Shlokas 1.65.32 - 1.65.39)

After hearing Satananda's account of Viswamitra's journey, King Janaka, with folded palms, addressed Viswamitra:

"O Righteous One, O Preeminent among ascetics, I am blessed and greatly favored that you have come to my sacrifice accompanied by the descendants of Kakustha (Rama and Lakshmana). Your presence sanctifies me, and I have derived immense benefits from your visit."

Janaka expressed his awe at Viswamitra's:

• Immeasurable austerities

• Boundless power

• Marvelous deeds

As the sun was setting, Janaka invited Viswamitra to return the next dawn.

The conclusion of this significant chapter in the Ramayana unfolded as follows:

1. Viswamitra, pleased with Janaka's words, blessed the king and allowed him to depart

2. Janaka, along with his spiritual preceptors and relatives, circumambulated Viswamitra as a mark of respect

3. Viswamitra, honored by the great sages, retired to his shelter along with Rama and Lakshmana

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