Shloka 18
Jarā’s Account and the Enthronement of Jarāsandha (जरासंधोत्पत्तिः अभिषेकश्च)
नातिवर्तिष्य इत्येवं पत्नीभ्यां संनिधौ तदा । स ताभ्यां शुशुभे राजा पत्नी भ्यां वसुधाधिप:
nātivartiṣya ity evaṁ patnībhyāṁ saṁnidhau tadā | sa tābhyāṁ śuśubhe rājā patnībhyāṁ vasudhādhipaḥ ||
Saying, “I shall not transgress (this),” the king spoke thus in the presence of his two queens. Then that lord of the earth appeared all the more resplendent, attended by those two wives—his self-restraint and fidelity to his word lending him dignity before them.
कृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights royal dharma expressed as self-restraint and keeping one’s word: a ruler’s true splendor is not merely external but arises from ethical conduct, especially in intimate and public settings where integrity is tested.
In the presence of his two queens, the king declares, “I will not transgress,” indicating a vow or boundary he will uphold. The narration then notes that he appears radiant with the two queens beside him, suggesting that his disciplined resolve enhances his dignity and stature.