Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances
ततस्तस्यां स भगवान् प्रीति चक्रे निशाकरः । सास्य हृद्या बभूवाथ तस्मात् तां बुभुजे सदा,इसलिये भगवान् चन्द्रमा उससे अधिक प्रेम करने लगे, वही उनकी हृदयवल्लभा हुई; अतः वे सदा उसीका उपभोग करते थे
tatastasyāṃ sa bhagavān prītiṃ cakre niśākaraḥ | sāsyā hṛdyā babhūvātha tasmāt tāṃ bubhuje sadā ||
Therefore the divine Moon (Niśākara) conceived a special affection for her. She became dear to his heart; hence he ever remained with her, delighting continually in her company.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how strong preference and attachment can arise, leading to continual indulgence; ethically, it invites reflection on how desire and partiality—even when framed as love—can become a binding force with consequences.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Moon developed special affection for a particular woman, found her especially dear, and therefore remained continually engaged with her.