Shloka 14
Śānti-parva Adhyāya 30: Nārada–Parvata Samaya-bhaṅga, Śāpa, and the Marriage of Sukumārī
परम सौम्यमित्युक्त ताभ्यां राजा शशास ताम्
parama saumyām ity uktaḥ tābhyāṃ rājā śaśāsa tām
Having been addressed by those two as “O most gentle one,” the king then issued his command to her—acting with the measured authority expected of a ruler, and setting the next course of action in the unfolding matter.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic kingship: respectful address (“most gentle”) is followed by decisive, orderly instruction. Ethical governance balances courtesy in speech with firmness in action.
Two individuals address someone with a gentle honorific; in response, the king issues a command to a woman, moving the situation forward through royal directive.