Shloka 11
Pūru-vaṁśa, Duṣmanta–Śakuntalā, and the Rise of Mahārāja Bharata
का त्वं कमलपत्राक्षि कस्यासि हृदयङ्गमे । किंस्विच्चिकीर्षितं तत्र भवत्या निर्जने वने ॥ ११ ॥
kā tvaṁ kamala-patrākṣi kasyāsi hṛdayaṅ-game kiṁ svic cikīrṣitaṁ tatra bhavatyā nirjane vane
O lotus-eyed beauty, enchantress of the heart—who are you, and whose daughter are you? What is your purpose in this lonely forest? Why do you remain here?
FAQs
In this verse, King Yayāti questions a lotus-eyed young woman in a solitary forest—asking who she is, whose beloved she is, and what purpose has brought her there alone.
Within the narrative of Canto 9, Yayāti encounters Śarmiṣṭhā in the forest and, surprised by her presence and beauty, inquires about her identity, her relationship, and her intention for being there alone.
The verse highlights careful inquiry and situational awareness—asking clear questions before acting—especially when encountering unexpected circumstances or vulnerable situations.