Shloka 106
Udyoga Parva Adhyāya 103: Garuḍa’s Protest, Viṣṇu’s Demonstration, and Counsel Toward Śama
सुमुखस्य गुणैश्नैव शीलशौचदमादिभि: | आपके और ऐरावतके प्रति हमारे हृदयमें विशेष सम्मान है और यह सुमुख भी शील, शौच और इन्द्रियसंयम आदि गुणोंसे सम्पन्न है, इसलिये इसके पितृहीन होनेपर भी हम गुणोंके कारण इसका वरण करते हैं
sumukhasya guṇaiś naiva śīlaśaucadamādibhiḥ |
Nārada said: “It is not merely by lineage, but by virtues—good conduct, purity, self-restraint, and the like—that Sumukha is to be chosen. Therefore, even though he is without a father’s protection, we accept him on account of his qualities, holding him in special regard (as we do you and Airāvata).”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Worthiness is grounded in guṇa (virtue)—such as good conduct, purity, and self-restraint—rather than in mere parentage or social standing; ethical qualities justify honor and acceptance.
Nārada explains why Sumukha is being accepted/selected: despite lacking paternal support, his exemplary virtues make him deserving, and he is held in special esteem alongside figures like Airāvata.