Shloka 29
Nāradasya Rājadharma-praśnāḥ
Nārada’s Examination of Royal Ethics
कच्चिन्निद्रावशं नैषि कच्चित् काले विबुद्धयसे । कच्चिच्चापररात्रेषु चिन्तयस्यर्थमर्थवित्
kaccin nidrāvaśaṃ naiṣi kaccit kāle vibudhyase | kaccic cāpararātreṣu cintayasy artham arthavit ||
Nārada said: “Do you ever fall under the sway of sleep at improper times? Do you awaken at the proper hour? Since you are a knower of statecraft, do you keep awake in the latter part of the night to reflect on what is truly beneficial and on the duties that must be done?”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler (or any responsible person) should practice self-control and vigilance: avoid untimely sleep, keep a disciplined routine, and use quiet hours—especially late night/early dawn—for sober reflection on duties and the welfare-oriented aims of governance (artha guided by dharma).
Nārada is questioning the king in a traditional ‘kaccit’ style of counsel, checking whether he maintains the habits expected of a competent ruler—timely wakefulness and deliberate thought about policy, obligations, and the kingdom’s good.