What is thrishanku?

Thrishanku

In Hindu mythology, Thrishanku (Sanskrit: त्रिशंकु, Triśaṅku) is a king of the Ikshvaku dynasty who desired to ascend to heaven in his mortal body. His story is primarily found in the Valmiki Ramayana.

According to the legend, Thrishanku approached his guru, the sage <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Vashishta">Vashishta</a>, to perform a yajna (ritual sacrifice) that would allow him to ascend to heaven in his physical form. Vashishta, being bound by dharma, refused, stating it was impossible.

Thrishanku then approached Vashishta's sons with the same request, and they, angered by his persistence after their father's refusal, cursed him to become a chandala (outcaste). Upon being cursed, Thrishanku transformed, becoming hideous and losing his royal appearance.

In despair, Thrishanku sought help from the sage <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Vishwamitra">Vishwamitra</a>, who was a rival of Vashishta. Vishwamitra, wanting to demonstrate his power and challenge Vashishta, agreed to perform the yajna.

During the yajna, Vishwamitra summoned the gods to receive Thrishanku. However, the gods, influenced by Vashishta's power, refused. Enraged, Vishwamitra used his own power to begin propelling Thrishanku upwards. A new heaven was created by Vishwamitra.

Indra, the king of the gods, then intervened and pushed Thrishanku back down. But Vishwamitra, unwilling to be defeated, suspended Thrishanku mid-air, creating a new set of stars and constellations around him. Thus, Thrishanku remained hanging upside down between heaven and earth.

The story of Thrishanku symbolizes the clash between fate and free will, the power of curses and blessings, and the rivalry between Vashishta and Vishwamitra. The term "Thrishanku" is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is stuck in limbo, not belonging anywhere.