Shloka 24
उत्तङ्कोपाख्यानम् — Maṇi-Kuṇḍala Retrieval and Entry into Nāgaloka
Chapter 57
छिद्रेष्वेतेष्विमे नित्यं ह्वियेते द्विजसत्तम । देवराक्षसनागानामप्रमत्तेन धार्यते
chidreṣv eteṣv ime nityaṁ hvīyete dvijasattama | devarākṣasanāgānām apramattena dhāryate, dvijaśreṣṭha ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O best of twice-born ones, because of these openings, these (ear-ornaments) are always in danger of being lost. Only one who remains vigilant—against the designs of gods, rākṣasas, and nāgas—can safely wear them.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that what is precious—whether an object, a duty, or a trust—cannot be preserved by carelessness. Constant alertness (apramāda) is required, because loss can come through many agencies, including unseen or unexpected forces.
Vaiśampāyana explains to a brāhmaṇa addressee that certain valuable ear-ornaments are perpetually at risk of being lost due to the very openings/conditions by which they are worn, and that only a vigilant person can keep and wear them safely, guarding against gods, rākṣasas, and nāgas.