Shloka 18
अनादृत्य तु राजानं गते मयि न संशय: । अजाततशशत्रोर्नुपतेर्मम चैवानृतं भवेत्,“यदि राजाका अनादर करके मैं घरके भीतर चला जाऊँ, तो महाराज अजातशत्रुके प्रति मेरी प्रतिज्ञा मिथ्या होगी
anādṛtya tu rājānaṃ gate mayi na saṃśayaḥ | ajātaśatroḥ nṛpater mama caivānṛtaṃ bhavet ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “If, disregarding the king, I were to go inside, there is no doubt that my word would become false—both with respect to King Ajātaśatru and with respect to myself. For to slight the ruler and withdraw would violate the pledged propriety of my conduct.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes satya (truthfulness) and dharmic consistency: one must not act in a way that makes one’s pledged word ‘anṛta’ (false). Respecting rightful authority and maintaining integrity in conduct are presented as ethical necessities.
The speaker reflects on a contemplated action—going inside while disregarding the king—and concludes that such behavior would amount to a breach of promise and propriety, rendering his commitment false in relation to King Ajātaśatru and to his own moral standing.