Once again, Vishwamitra asked Vasishtha the secret of his power. “What is the use of being a powerful kshatriya, when I can be defeated by a mere sage?” he wondered. “I must be a Brahma Rishi like Vasishtha!” With this desire, Vishwamitra began to perform more austerities. But even after years, he was recognized as a Raja Rishi, not a Brahma Rishi! At that time, King Trishanku ruled in the Suryavanshi dynasty. He was extremely handsome and loved his looks so much that he wanted to remain young and handsome always. Vasishtha, his teacher, advised him not to be so foolish. So, he asked Vasishtha’s sons. Angry that he should violate their father’s advice, the sons cursed him to become a chandala, a keeper of cremation grounds. He became ugly. He went to Vishwamitra, who took pity on him. He began a yajna, by which Trishanku went to heaven.
Vishwamitra’s Frustration
