Shloka 21
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
नाहं प्रतीच्छे वै राजन्नित्युक्त्वा स्वाम्यपाक्रमत् । नान्यद् गवामप्ययुतमिच्छामीत्यपरो ययौ ॥ २१ ॥
nāhaṁ pratīcche vai rājann ity uktvā svāmy apākramat nānyad gavām apy ayutam icchāmīty aparo yayau
O King, the cow’s present owner said, “I accept nothing in exchange,” and went away. The other brāhmaṇa declared, “I do not desire even ten thousand more cows,” and he too departed.
In Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrīla Prabhupāda comments: “Thus disagreeing with the King’s proposal, both brāhmaṇas left the palace in anger, thinking that their lawful possession had been usurped.”
FAQs
This verse shows a mood of renunciation: the speakers refuse acceptance of material rewards, emphasizing freedom from greed and independence from worldly gain.
Within the narrative, it highlights their disinterest in material compensation—rejecting even a traditionally great gift (ayuta of cows) to demonstrate detachment and principled conduct.
Practice contentment: do your duty without bargaining for rewards, avoid unethical benefits, and keep spiritual priorities higher than money, status, or possessions.