Shloka 17
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
तां नीयमानां तत्स्वामी दृष्ट्वोवाच ममेति तम् । ममेति परिग्राह्याह नृगो मे दत्तवानिति ॥ १७ ॥
tāṁ nīyamānāṁ tat-svāmī dṛṣṭrovāca mameti tam mameti parigrāhy āha nṛgo me dattavān iti
Seeing the cow being led away, her first owner cried, “She is mine!” But the second brāhmaṇa, who had accepted her as a gift, replied, “No—she is mine; Nṛga gave her to me.”
FAQs
This verse shows that even a charitable gift can create conflict if it unintentionally takes what belongs to another, emphasizing careful, dharmic giving.
One was the original owner who recognized his cow, while the other claimed lawful possession because King Nṛga had donated the cow to him.
Before donating, selling, or transferring anything, verify rightful ownership and documentation—good intentions should be matched with careful responsibility.