Introduction
Vishwamitra is a great sage who was born as a king, Kaushika, and became a Brahmarishi through austerity. He plays a major role in the Bala Kanda: he takes Rama and Lakshmana out of Ayodhya to protect his sacrifice, teaches them, and leads them to Mithila, where Rama marries Sita.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Gadhi
- Wife: Menaka
- Children: Shakuntala, Madhuchhanda
From king to sage
Vishwamitra was the son of King Gadhi of Kanyakubja. Once, when he visited the hermitage of Vasishtha, he tried to take Vasishtha's wish-fulfilling cow, Sabala, and was defeated. Humiliated, he gave up his throne and began austerities to become a Brahmin sage. This started a long rivalry with Vasishtha.
Trials of his penance
Along the way, his penance was interrupted more than once. The apsara Menaka was sent by Indra to distract him, and the two lived together for years. The Mahabharata adds that they had a daughter, Shakuntala. Later, he tried again, and was tested by the apsara Rambha, whom he cursed. He finally attained the rank of Brahmarishi, and Vasishtha himself accepted it.
He also helped King Trishanku reach heaven and rescued the boy Shunahshepa from being sacrificed.
Guide to Rama
Vishwamitra came to Dasharatha to ask for Rama's help against the Rakshasas who were disturbing his sacrifice. Dasharatha was reluctant, but agreed on Vasishtha's advice.
On the journey, Vishwamitra taught Rama the Bala and Atibala mantras, which removed hunger and fatigue, and gave him many celestial weapons. Rama killed Tataka and Subahu and drove away Maricha. Vishwamitra also took him to the hermitage of Ahalya.
Mithila
Vishwamitra took the brothers to Mithila for the contest of Shiva's bow, and afterwards helped arrange the marriage of Rama and Sita and of the other brothers. He then went to the Himalayas for further austerities.