Viswamitra becomes a Brahmarsi 1.63.13, 14, 20; 1.65.8, 18-23, 27-33
Viswamitra said to Menaka, ‘After all, you stayed on at my behest and, therefore, there is no blunder committed by you’. He had deliberately given up his self- imposed discipline. In the case of Rambha his reaction was different. To curse Rambha who was on a mission assigned by Indra was inappropriate. It would have been correct to curse Indra himself. It is said that the discretionary power about propriety of action disappears when one is angry. It indicates that anger more than lust is hard to control. In a state of anger he cursed her but repented later since it destroyed all his power of penance.
Viswamitra’s tapas created a fire that tormented the gods as it was born of untainted satvic qualities. It was more powerful than the fire born of rajas or tamas or both. If Viswamitra desired to get even the kingdom of the gods that could be given to him. Some others interpret it as, if his desire is not fulfilled, he may still aspire for the kingdom of the gods, so the devatas wanted Brahma to grant him the status of Brahmarsi which was his long-cherished wish. Viswamitra says ‘Let the knowledge of the Brahman be given to me, as in the case of brahmins such as Vasishta. I have permission to teach and conduct sacrifice. Since I am not a brahmin by birth, all my efforts will be futile if Vasishta does not recognize me as a Brahmarsi, says Viswamitra.
Why did Viswamitra worship Vasishta? Because his mission was fulfilled through the leadership of Vasishta which got him the status of a Brahmarsi.
Viswamitra becomes a Brahmarsi 1.63.13, 14, 20; 1.65.8, 18-23, 27-33
Viswamitra said to Menaka, ‘After all, you stayed on at my behest and, therefore, there is no blunder committed by you’. He had deliberately given up his self- imposed discipline. In the case of Rambha his reaction was different. To curse Rambha who was on a mission assigned by Indra was inappropriate. It would have been correct to curse Indra himself. It is said that the discretionary power about propriety of action disappears when one is angry. It indicates that anger more than lust is hard to control. In a state of anger he cursed her but repented later since it destroyed all his power of penance.
Viswamitra’s tapas created a fire that tormented the gods as it was born of untainted satvic qualities. It was more powerful than the fire born of rajas or tamas or both. If Viswamitra desired to get even the kingdom of the gods that could be given to him. Some others interpret it as, if his desire is not fulfilled, he may still aspire for the kingdom of the gods, so the devatas wanted Brahma to grant him the status of Brahmarsi which was his long-cherished wish. Viswamitra says ‘Let the knowledge of the Brahman be given to me, as in the case of brahmins such as Vasishta. I have permission to teach and conduct sacrifice. Since I am not a brahmin by birth, all my efforts will be futile if Vasishta does not recognize me as a Brahmarsi, says Viswamitra.
Why did Viswamitra worship Vasishta? Because his mission was fulfilled through the leadership of Vasishta which got him the status of a Brahmarsi.