Vishvamitra

Before renouncing his kingdom and royal status, Brahmarishi Vishvamitra was a king, and thus he retained the title of Rajarshi, or 'royal sage'.

[8] Vishvamitra was a king in ancient India, also called Kaushika (descendant of Kusha) and belonged to Amavasu Dynasty.

In response, his father, King Kusha, granted him a boon, assuring him that he would have a son who would bring honor to the lineage.

He agreed to assist Ruchika and instructed him to perform a ritual on the banks of the Ganges River in Kanya Kujya, where the horses would emerge from the waters.

Sage Bhrigu later visited his son’s household, where Satyavathi received him with utmost reverence, adhering to the Vedic tradition of treating her father-in-law with the same respect as her father.

Emperor Vishwamitra, the ruler of Bhu Mandala (the planetary system known as Bhū-maṇḍala extends to the limits of the sunshine.

), governed his vast empire for centuries by adhering to Dharma, ensuring peace and prosperity among his people.

As the afternoon approached, Vishwamitra expressed his intent to leave, stating that his soldiers remained outside the ashram and had not accompanied him inside.

With a mere command from the sage, Sabhala manifested a lavish feast, preparing food suited to the desires and preferences of each individual present.

She enables my Prana Yatra (spiritual journey), Bhuta Bali (offerings to all beings), and my Vedic studies.

She is my mother, and parting from her is impossible.” Determined to possess Kamadhenu, Vishwamitra made an extraordinary offer, saying, “O Vasistha, in exchange for Sabhala, I will grant you riches beyond imagination: Whatever you wish for, name it, and I shall provide.

This moment marked the beginning of a great transformation in Vishwamitra’s journey—a turning point that would shape the destiny of both the sage and the king.

Vasishta destroys Vishvamitra's entire army by the simple use of his great mystic and spiritual powers, breathing the Om syllable.

Vishvamitra then undertakes a tapasya for several years to please Shiva, who bestows upon him the knowledge of celestial weaponry.

[12][13] Menaka was born during the churning of the ocean by the devas and asuras and was one of the most beautiful apsaras (celestial nymph) in the world with quick intelligence and innate talent.

However, she fell in genuine love with him and a girl was born to them who later grew in Sage Kanva's ashram and came to be called Shakuntala.

And beholding her beauty and accomplishments that bull amongst Rishis was possessed with lust and made a sign that he desired her companionship.

And sporting with each other, just as they pleased, for a long time as if it were only a single day, the Rishi begat on Menaka a daughter named Sakuntala.

And Menaka (as her conception advanced) went to the banks of the river Malini coursing along a valley of the charming mountains of Himavat.

And she left the new-born infant on the bank of that river and went away.However, later, Vishvamitra merely cursed Menaka to be separated from him forever, for he loved her as well and knew that she had lost all devious intentions towards him long ago.

After succumbing to Menakā's flirtations, and after having a daughter with her, Vishvamitra then travels south to the Godāvarī to resume his austerities, settling down at a spot next where Śiva stood as Kālañjara.

He is tested again by Indra, who comes as a poor Brahmin begging for food just as Kaushika is ready to break a fast of many years by eating some rice.

Kaushika also finally masters his passions, refusing to be provoked by any of Indra's testing and seductive interferences.

Trisanku was transformed into a person with body smeared of ash, clothed in black and wearing iron jewelry.

Vishvamitra organized a great sacrifice and ritual propitiating the Devas, pleading that they accept Trisanku into heaven.

While undertaking a penance, Kaushika helps a boy named Shunashepa who has been sold by his parents to be sacrificed at Harishchandra's yagna to please Varuna.

When Vishvamitra was Prince of Bharats (Kaushik) - and his name was Vishwarath then, he was abducted by the enemy king Shambar.

When they found their Prince Vishvarath alive, they feel happy but they could not accept Ugra as their future queen as she is an Asura.

Modern Hindu reform movements spread the practice of the mantra to include women and all castes and its recitation is now widespread.

[39] The story of the king Vishwamitra turning into a Brahmarishi has been the topic of a mytho-fiction book by Dr. Vineet Aggarwal.

Vishvamitra is addressed as maharsis by Brahma and other gods alarmed by his austerities
Menaka, the beautiful apsara, comes to seduce Vishvamitra from his austerities. Artist, Miskin.
Vishvamitra is seduced by Menaka.
Vishwamitra brings Rama and Lakshmana to his hermitage.
Vishvamitra looks at Rama as he breaks the bow, winning the hand of Sita in marriage. Painting by Raja Ravi Varma .
Rama and Lakshmana perform guru-seva by pressing Vishvamitra's feet and legs (bazaar art, mid-1900's)