Shloka 20
Āstīka Stops the Sarpa-satra; Royal Closure and Protective Phalaśruti (आस्तीकः सर्पसत्रनिवर्तनम्)
कश्मलं चाविशद् घोरं वासुकिं पन्नगोत्तमम् । स घूर्णमानहृदयो भगिनीमिदमब्रवीत्,सर्पोमें श्रेष्ठ वासुकिपर भयानक मोह-सा छा गया, उनके हृदयमें चक्कर आने लगा। अतः वे अपनी बहिनसे इस प्रकार बोले---
kaśmalaṃ cāviśad ghoraṃ vāsukiṃ pannagottamam | sa ghūrṇamāna-hṛdayo bhaginīm idam abravīt ||
A dreadful confusion seized Vāsuki, the foremost of serpents. His heart reeled within him, and in that shaken state he spoke these words to his sister—signaling a moment where fear and moral uncertainty cloud clear judgment before decisive action.
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how intense fear and inner turmoil (kaśmala) can overtake even the eminent, causing the heart to reel and judgment to waver; ethically, it frames a crisis-point where one must regain clarity before choosing a dharmic course.
Vāsuki, described as the foremost of serpents, is suddenly seized by dreadful confusion and agitation; overwhelmed, he turns to his sister and begins to speak, indicating an impending disclosure or decision prompted by fear.