Ramayana

Triśaṅku, the noble king, was seized by a fervent desire: “With my own mortal body, I shall attain the supreme realm of the gods.” Resolute, he summoned the revered sage Vasiṣṭha and revealed his intention. But the great-souled Vasiṣṭha, steadfast in wisdom, told him plainly, “It is impossible.” Thus rejected, Triśaṅku turned away and journeyed southward, his heart still yearning for his goal. Determined to fulfill his wish, the king sought out the sons of Vasiṣṭha. He found them—one hundred in number—brilliant ascetics who were deep in their practices, their minds unwavering. Approaching these radiant sons of the sage, Triśaṅku greeted each one with humility, standing before them with his head bowed and hands joined in reverence. With gentle modesty, he addressed them, “I have come to you for refuge, O noble ones, seeking shelter from those who grant shelter. I have been turned away by the great Vasiṣṭha. I wish to perform a great sacrifice; I beseech you, grant me your permission. I honor you all, sons of the guru, and bow my head in supplication. Please, for the sake of accomplishment, officiate for me with your concentrated minds, so that I may reach the world of the gods with my body. Rejected by Vasiṣṭha, I see no other path but through you. Among all the Ikṣvākus, the family priest is the highest guide; after him, you are my divinity.” O Rāma, listen now to what followed. The hundred sons of Vasiṣṭha, angered by Triśaṅku’s request, spoke sharply: “You have been rejected, O wicked-minded one, by your truthful guru. How could you transgress and approach another branch? The family priest is the highest path for all Ikṣvākus, and the words of the truth-speaking one cannot be set aside. The venerable Vasiṣṭha has said, ‘It is impossible,’ yet you ask us to assemble the sacrifice! Childish are you, O king—return to your city. The venerable one could perform the sacrifice for the three worlds if he wished. How could we possibly insult him?” Hearing their words, Triśaṅku spoke once more, “I have been rejected by the venerable one, and now by you, his sons. I will seek another path. Farewell, O ascetics.” The sage’s sons, enraged by his words, pronounced a dreadful curse upon him: “You shall become a Caṇḍāla!” Having uttered this, they returned to their hermitages. When the night had passed, the curse took hold. Triśaṅku’s form was transformed—his skin darkened, his hair became disheveled, and he donned garments of rags. Adorned with iron ornaments, smeared with ashes, and wearing garlands of tattered cloth, he appeared as a Caṇḍāla. At this sight, his ministers and the people of the city fled in fear, leaving the once-glorious king of the Kakutstha line utterly alone. Burning with distress day and night, Triśaṅku sought out the great sage Viśvāmitra. When Viśvāmitra saw the king, now rendered fruitless and bearing the dreadful form of a Caṇḍāla, compassion welled up in his heart. The supremely righteous sage spoke kindly, “May it be well with you. For what purpose have you come, O mighty prince?” With joined palms, Triśaṅku replied, “O master, by a curse I have become a Caṇḍāla. I have been rejected by my guru and by his sons. My desire remains unfulfilled—may I ascend to heaven with my body, O gentle one. Though I have performed a hundred sacrifices, I do not reap their fruit. I have never spoken falsehood, nor will I ever. Even in adversity, I have upheld the Kṣatriya’s duty, performed many sacrifices, and protected my people with righteousness. The elders have been pleased with my conduct, yet they are not satisfied. O best of sages, I see that fate is supreme and human effort fruitless. All is overpowered by fate. For one so afflicted, seeking your favor, I ask you to act—turn aside fate with your own power. I have no other refuge, no other shelter. Only you can help me.” Moved by compassion, the son of Kuśika, Viśvāmitra, spoke sweetly to the king, who now truly bore the form of a Caṇḍāla. “O Ikṣvāku, welcome, my child. I know your righteousness. I will grant you refuge—do not fear, O foremost of kings. I will summon all the great sages, those who assist in sacrifices. Then, O king, you shall perform the sacrifice and find satisfaction.