Trishanku's Curse and the Rishi's Compassion

“What is the worth of being a Kshatriya if I can be defeated by a rishi?” mused Vishwamitra. “I, too, must become a Brahmarshi like Vashishth.” With this resolve, Vishwamitra dedicated himself to performing yajnas and Vedic rituals with heightened zeal. Despite years of dedication, he achieved the status of Rajarshi, yet the title of Brahmarshi eluded him.

Around this time, Trishanku, the king of the Solar Dynasty, was renowned for his youthful charm. Obsessed with his own appearance, he approached the royal guru, Vashishth, with an unusual request: to remain young forever. Vashishth, however, warned him against such folly. Undeterred, Trishanku turned to Vashishth’s sons for assistance. Enraged by his disregard for their father’s counsel, they cursed him to become a Chandal—an outcaste often tasked with guarding cremation grounds.

In an instant, Trishanku lost his radiant beauty and became grotesque in appearance. Desperate for redemption, he sought Vishwamitra’s aid. Moved by Trishanku’s plight, Vishwamitra performed a powerful yajna, enabling Trishanku to ascend to Svarg (heaven).