Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 23
The Dynasty of Vaivasvata Manu Begins — Ilā/Sudyumna and the Birth of Purūravā
स एकदा महाराज विचरन् मृगयां वने । वृत: कतिपयामात्यैरश्वमारुह्य सैन्धवम् ॥ २३ ॥ प्रगृह्य रुचिरं चापं शरांश्च परमाद्भुतान् । दंशितोऽनुमृगं वीरो जगाम दिशमुत्तराम् ॥ २४ ॥
sa ekadā mahārāja vicaran mṛgayāṁ vane vṛtaḥ katipayāmātyair aśvam āruhya saindhavam
O König Parīkṣit, der Held Sudyumna zog einst, von wenigen Ministern und Gefährten begleitet, auf einem Pferd aus dem Sindhu-Land in den Wald zur Jagd. In Rüstung, mit schönem Bogen und wunderbaren Pfeilen, verfolgte und erlegte er die Tiere und gelangte so in den nördlichen Teil des Waldes.
FAQs
This verse depicts a king setting out on a forest hunt with ministers and a swift horse—showing a common royal activity in the narrative context, often used to move the plot toward significant events.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating to Mahārāja Parīkṣit, continuing the historical account of royal dynasties in the Ninth Canto.
Even powerful leaders are shown acting within roles and duties; the takeaway is to be mindful that everyday choices and outings can have consequences, so one should act with responsibility and good counsel.