Shloka 23
तुषभक्षं तु मां ज्ञात्वा प्रविविक्तजने गृहे बिभ्रतं गार्दभं रूपमागत्य परिगर्हसे,इस एकान्त गृहमें गर्दभका रूप धारण किये मुझे भूसी खाता जानकर तुम यहाँ आये हो और मेरी निन्दा करते हो
tuṣabhakṣaṁ tu māṁ jñātvā praviviktajane gṛhe | bibhrataṁ gārdabhaṁ rūpam āgatya parigarhase ||
Knowing me to be one who eats only chaff, dwelling in a secluded house away from people, and wearing the form of a donkey, you have come here and now revile me.
श॒क्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Do not judge or disparage someone based on external form, poverty, or an assumed lowly lifestyle; ethical speech requires restraint and discernment, since higher truth or purpose may be hidden beneath humble appearances.
Śakra (Indra) speaks in reproach: he says the other person has recognized him as living in seclusion, eating chaff, and assuming a donkey’s form, and yet has come and insulted him—highlighting the impropriety of contempt and the possibility of divine or moral testing through disguise.