Shloka 106
Nahuṣa Abhiṣeka and the Crisis of Restraint (नहुषाभिषेकः—दमभ्रंशः)
धर्मात्मा सततं भूत्वा कामात्मा समपद्यत | धर्मको आगे रखकर उस समय राजा नहुष सम्पूर्ण लोकोंके अधिपति हो गये। वे परम दुर्लभ वर पाकर स्वर्गके राज्यको हस्तगत करके निरन्तर धर्मपरायण रहते हुए भी कामभोगमें आसक्त हो गये
dharmātmā satataṁ bhūtvā kāmātmā samapadyata |
Śalya said: Though he remained continually devoted to dharma, he nevertheless fell into a desire-driven state. Having placed dharma in the forefront, King Nahuṣa became lord of all the worlds; but after obtaining a most rare boon and seizing the sovereignty of heaven, he grew attached to sensual enjoyment—showing how power and privilege can corrupt even one who appears steadfast in righteousness.
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even sustained commitment to dharma can be undermined when kāma (desire), especially fueled by power and extraordinary privilege, takes control; ethical vigilance is required precisely at the height of success.
Śalya points to King Nahuṣa as an example: after gaining supreme authority—even the rule of heaven through a rare boon—he becomes increasingly absorbed in sensual desire, illustrating a moral fall despite an outwardly dharmic posture.