Introduction
Vishwamitra quarrelled with Vashishta and was defeated. But Vashishta himself named him as
a Brahmarshi. Vishwamitra created new stellar constellations and
threatened to create a new Indra. Gods trembled at this. He tested the truthfulness of
Harishchandra.He saved Shunahshepha who was to be sacrificed. He was the guru
of Sri Rama and taught him the use of many divine arrows. He was responsible for the
redemption of Ahalya and for the marriage of Sita with Rama. In him we see a confluence of
three high qualities-valor, knowledge and sympathy-which have made him great.Author - B.S.S.Cowshick
Vishwamitra
Kowsalya supraja Rama
Poorva sandhya pravartate
Uttishtha nara-shardoola
Kartavyam daivam anhikam
(0 Rama, worthy son of Kowsalya, the day has just dawned in the east. Arise, 0 lion among
men, it is time to offer ablutions to God.)
This well-known stanza from Venkatesha Suprabhata was composed byVishwamitra to awake Sri
Rama.
Vishwamitra belonged to a dynasty of kings. King Gadhi was his father. Vishwamitra was
also called as Vishwaratha. He had several wives such as Haimavati, Shalavati,
Drishadwati, Renu, Madhavi and so on. He had nine sons and their names were Madhuchchanda,
Kati, Yajnyavalkya, Panina, Galava, Mudgala, Sankruti, Devala and Ashtaka. A nephew of his
by name Shunahshepha is also a famous figure in the Puranas.
Vishwamitra ruled over his kingdom for a long time. |