Shloka 6
Nahūṣa’s Pride, the Ṛṣi-Borne Palanquin, and the Search for Indra (नहुष-इन्द्राणी-प्रकरणम्)
नहुषस्तां ततो दृष्टवा सस्मितो वाक्यमब्रवीत् स्वागतं ते वरारोहे कि करोमि शुचिस्मिते
nahuṣas tāṁ tato dṛṣṭvā sasmito vākyam abravīt | svāgataṁ te varārohe kiṁ karomi śucismite ||
তাঁকে দেখে নহুষ মৃদু হাসলেন এবং বললেন—“বরারোহে, তোমাকে স্বাগতম। শুচিস্মিতে, বলো—আমি তোমার কী সেবা করব?”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharma as courteous reception: a ruler or householder should greet a visitor with respect, pleasant speech, and readiness to serve. Ethical conduct begins with how one addresses others—especially guests and women—through welcome, restraint, and helpful intent.
Nahuṣa sees a woman approaching (referred to with honorific vocatives), smiles, and formally welcomes her. He asks what assistance or service she seeks, setting a tone of hospitality and attentive listening within the unfolding episode narrated by Śalya.