9.14. The character of Viśvāmitra

Viśvāmitra is also presented in the Hanumannāṭaka.^[1] Viśvāmitra is portrayed as a powerful and eminent brahmarṣi of awe-inspiring lustre, a sage who has attained his status through the practice of extraordinary tapas; who is endowed with highest fame and virtues and possessed of the most powerful astras, but who yet is harassed by two Rākṣasas, who constantly spoil his sacrifice, and who unable to prevent them from doing so, turns to Daśaratha requesting him for the assistance of youthful Rāma, whose unexcelled prowess he knows and assures him, would destroy the Rākṣasas. As awe-inspiring as are his power and appearance, so is his anger when Daśaratha, impelled by fear, hesitates to comply with his request despite the sage’s assurance of Rāma’s power and victory.^[2]

As Viśvāmitra sets out with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa on his way to his sacrifice, it is seen that he assumes the role of an affectionate guru of Rāma, a guru who not only caters to youthful Rāma’s needs and curiosity, but also cares for the prospect of his future. He invests him with the two mantras namely Balā and Atibalā,^[3] teaches him to perform the daily ceremonies and above all, satisfies Rāma’s curiosity by instructing him with sacred lore and stories about the hermitages and sacred places which they pass through or by explaining other curious experiences they meet on the way. He directs Rāma to kill monstrous Tārakā and when the later hesitates for scruples of conscience, he gives him an exhortation.

Viśvāmitra is presented as a sage of higher order who commands respect from all. His being afflicted with the atrocities of the Rākṣasas, established Rāma’s valour while in his early years.