Trishanku's Dilemma and the Curse

• Trishanku desired to ascend to heaven in his physical body and sought Vasishta's assistance to perform a yagna
• Vasishta declined, stating it was an impossible task
• Trishanku then sought assistance from Vasishta's hundred sons
• They were known for their fame, purity through austerity, and held asceticism as their wealth
• He approached each of them respectfully
• Trishanku approached them humbly, seeking refuge and protection, as they were his only hope
• He requested they conduct a sacrifice for him to ascend to heaven, but Vasishta had already refused
• It is inappropriate for a disciple to force the guru to complete something against their wishes
• He had already been shamed when Vasishta refused his first request to perform the sacrifice
• They said that Trishanku should have listened to Vasistha and not sought assistance elsewhere
• Guru has the ultimate decision

Rejection and Curse

• The guru's sons reacted angrily, calling him ignorant for approaching others after Vasishta's refusal
• The guru is the all-knowing person
• They questioned his audacity to disregard Vasishta's words and deem him a liar
• They asserted that it was impossible to fulfill his wish.
• They cursed him to become a Chandala (outcaste) and banished him of their presence
• This incident suggests that one should not engage in actions that dishonor one's father and one's guru

Trishanku's Transformation and Plea

• After being cursed, Trishanku's appearance changed drastically
  • His soft, beautiful hair turned rough and tangled
  • His ornaments turned into iron ones
• He sought refuge with Vishwamitra, explaining that he had been rejected by Vasishta and his sons
• Vishwamitra, sympathizing with Trishanku, recognized him despite his altered appearance

Curse and Conduct

• Deceiving and rejecting wise man means that what comes next may not pleasant
• The Guru can influence and change your fortune, be wary

Vishwamitra's Promise and the Sacrifice Begins

• Vishwamitra vowed to help Trishanku ascend to heaven and promised to perform the necessary yagna
• Vishwamitra summoned all ascetics to perform the sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of their participation and obedience to his command

Invitation and Opposition

• Although it was out of fear, the guru's showed faith
• Vishwamitra proceeded with preparations, making the necessary arrangements for the sacrifice
• However, Vasishta's sons refused to attend, criticizing Vishwamitra for conducting a yagna for an outcaste
• They accused Vishwamitra of defiling the yagna and questioned how gods could partake in such an event

Vishwamitra's Curse and Vow

• Enraged by the accusations, Vishwamitra cursed Vasishta's sons to be consumed by evil and reborn as dog-eaters
• He vowed to proceed with the yagna and send Trishanku to heaven, even if it meant creating a new Indra and a new set of gods

The Ascend

• As Vishwamitra spoke, Trishanku began ascending to the heavens to the shock of all present, even his opposers
• Indra, however, still did not accept Trishanku into the heavens and cast him back down towards Earth
• They deemed Trishanku wasn't worthy

Vishwamitra's Determination

• Vishwamitra, enraged, halted Trishanku's fall and vowed to create a new heaven and a new Indra if necessary
• The gods, witnessing Vishwamitra's power, intervened and pleaded with him to relent and offered a compromise
• They suggested that Trishanku be allowed to remain suspended in the sky, forever, as a constellation
• In the end, Vishwamitra created an entirely new solar system because his strength was in his dedication and belief

Conclusion and Legacy

• The moral lessons learned in this story are immense
• Ultimately Trishanku becomes an immortal constellation
• As long as human-kind is alive, the name of Trishanku is forever apart of its fabric