Shloka 19
पाण्डोः प्रेतकार्य-सम्पादनम्
Pāṇḍu’s Funeral Rites and Public Mourning
सर्वभूतहिते काले सर्वभूतेप्सिते तथा । को हि विद्वान् मृगं हन्याच्चरन्तं मैथुनं वने,जो सम्पूर्ण भूतोंके लिये हितकर और अभीष्ट है, उस समयमें वनके भीतर मैथुन करनेवाले किसी मृगको कौन विवेकशील पुरुष मार सकता है?
sarvabhūtahite kāle sarvabhūtepsite tathā | ko hi vidvān mṛgaṁ hanyāc carantaṁ maithunaṁ vane ||
At a time that is beneficial to all beings and desired by all creatures, what wise man would kill a deer in the forest while it is engaged in mating? The speaker appeals to restraint and compassion, implying that even lawful hunting becomes ethically blameworthy when it violates a universally auspicious season and the natural continuance of life.
मृग उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches ethical restraint: a truly wise person does not harm living beings, especially at an auspicious season beneficial to all and when the animal is engaged in reproduction. It frames compassion and respect for the continuity of life as marks of discernment.
A deer speaks to dissuade a would-be killer, arguing that killing it in the forest during mating—at a time considered universally auspicious and desired—is improper. The plea functions as a moral check on violence and hunting.