Shloka 21
Adhyāya 96: Nārada Guides Mātali in Varuṇa’s Realm
Varuṇa-loka Darśana
इत्यामन्त्रय सुधर्मा स कृत्वा चाभिप्रदक्षिणम् । कन्यां शिरस्युपापच्राय प्रविवेश महीतलम्,सुधर्मासे ऐसी सलाह करके मातलिने इष्टदेवकी परिक्रमा की और कन्याका मस्तक सूँघकर रसातलमें प्रवेश किया
ity āmantrya sudharmā sa kṛtvā cābhipradakṣiṇam | kanyāṃ śirasy upāghrāya praviveśa mahītalam ||
Having thus taken leave, Sudharmā performed a reverential circumambulation. Then, smelling the maiden’s head as a gesture of affectionate blessing and farewell, he entered into the earth—departing to the nether regions.
कण्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette in departure: one should take leave respectfully, honor what is revered through pradakṣiṇā, and offer affectionate, protective blessing to the vulnerable (here, the maiden) before leaving.
Sudharmā formally takes leave, performs a reverential circumambulation, blesses the maiden by smelling her head, and then departs by entering into the earth—suggesting a supernatural descent to subterranean realms.