Shloka 18
कण्व: कुमारस्य वने चक्रे समुचिता: क्रिया: । बद्ध्वा मृगेन्द्रंतरसा क्रीडति स्म स बालक: ॥ १८ ॥
kaṇvaḥ kumārasya vane cakre samucitāḥ kriyāḥ baddhvā mṛgendraṁ tarasā krīḍati sma sa bālakaḥ
In the forest, Sage Kaṇva performed all the proper rites for the newborn, such as the jātakarma ceremony and others. Later the boy grew so mighty that he would seize a lion, bind it, and play with it.
FAQs
This verse describes the boy’s extraordinary vigor—so powerful that he would bind a lion and play—indicating exceptional kṣatriya-like prowess from childhood.
Kaṇva Ṛṣi, acting as the child’s guardian in the āśrama setting, carried out the appropriate duties and rites (kriyāḥ) to properly raise and sanctify him according to dharma.
It highlights the value of proper guidance and formative training in childhood—developing strength and character under disciplined, dharmic care.