Shloka 16
अवमेने नरान् सर्वान् देवानृषिगणांस्तथा । ययातिर्मूढविज्ञानो विस्मयाविष्टचेतन:,इस प्रकार वहाँ अनेक गुणोंसे युक्त कई हजार वर्षोका समय व्यतीत हो गया। ययातिका चित्त अपना स्वर्गीय वैभव देखकर स्वयं ही आश्वर्यवकित हो उठा। उनकी बुद्धिपर मोह छा गया और वे महान् समृद्धिशाली महत्तम राजर्षियोंके अपने समीप बैठे होनेपर भी सम्पूर्ण देवताओं, मनुष्यों तथा महर्षियोंकी भी अवहेलना करने लगे
avamene narān sarvān devān ṛṣigaṇāṁs tathā | yayātir mūḍha-vijñāno vismayāviṣṭa-cetanaḥ ||
Nārada said: “Yayāti, his understanding clouded by delusion and his mind seized by astonishment, began to despise all men, and likewise the gods and the hosts of sages.” In the narrative, this marks the ethical fall that can follow prolonged enjoyment and heavenly splendor: wonder turns into intoxication, and intoxication into contempt for those worthy of reverence.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
A mind dazzled by prosperity can lose discernment and slip into arrogance; contempt for humans, gods, and sages signals a collapse of dharma. The verse warns that wonder at one’s own splendor, if unchecked, becomes moha and leads to disrespect toward those who deserve honor.
Nārada describes a phase in Yayāti’s experience of extraordinary splendor and long enjoyment. Overwhelmed by amazement and mentally clouded, Yayāti begins to disregard everyone—humans, gods, and even assemblies of sages—showing how success can corrupt judgment.