Shloka 19
Śānti-parva Adhyāya 30: Nārada–Parvata Samaya-bhaṅga, Śāpa, and the Marriage of Sukumārī
शशंस हृच्छयं तीव्र ब्रीडमान: स धर्मवित् । धर्मज्ञ नारदने लज्जावश भानजे महात्मा पर्वतको अपने बढ़े हुए दुःसह कामकी बात नहीं बतायी ।। तपसा चेड़ितैश्वैव पर्वतो5थ बुबोध तम्
śaśaṃsa hṛcchayaṃ tīvraṃ brīḍamānaḥ sa dharmavit | dharmajña nāradena lajjāvaśaṃ bhāṇaje mahātmā parvatako 'pane baḍhe hue duḥsaha kāmakī bāt nahīṃ batāyī || tapasā ceḍitaiś caiva parvato 'tha bubodha tam ||
Though he knew dharma, he spoke of the fierce desire hidden in his heart only with shame. Yet, out of modesty, the great Parvata did not disclose to the dharma-knowing Nārada the unbearable matter of his swelling passion. Later, Parvata came to understand it—spurred on by austerity (tapas) and by the forces that had been set in motion.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a dharma-knower can be shaken by intense desire; ethical strength includes honest self-awareness and restraint. The verse highlights how shame/modesty can both signal moral sensitivity and also prevent timely disclosure, implying the need to face inner impulses wisely rather than letting them grow unbearable.
Parvata, though righteous, is afflicted by a powerful inner desire. He feels ashamed and therefore does not fully reveal the unbearable nature of his passion to the sage Nārada. Subsequently, through austerity and the pressures acting upon him, he comes to a clearer realization of the situation.