Shloka 40
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
अश्मकाद्बालिको जज्ञे य: स्त्रीभि: परिरक्षित: । नारीकवच इत्युक्तो नि:क्षत्रे मूलकोऽभवत् ॥ ४० ॥
aśmakād bāliko jajñe yaḥ strībhiḥ parirakṣitaḥ nārī-kavaca ity ukto niḥkṣatre mūlako ’bhavat
From Aśmaka, Bālika took birth. Because Bālika was surrounded by women and was therefore saved from the anger of Paraśurāma, he was known as Nārīkavaca. When Paraśurāma vanquished all the kṣatriyas, Bālika became the progenitor of more kṣatriyas. Therefore he was known as Mūlaka.
FAQs
Nārī-kavaca is the son born to King Aśmaka who was protected by women; he is also known as Mūlaka, described as the restorer (root) of the kṣatriya line when kṣatriyas were nearly absent.
He is called Nārī-kavaca because women guarded and protected him like an armor (kavaca), ensuring his survival.
Even in times of decline, divine arrangement and sincere protection can preserve dharma—support systems (family/community) can safeguard what is valuable and help restore stability.