Shloka 11
Pātāla-varṇana (Nārada’s Description of the Netherworld) / पातालवर्णनम्
एष पुत्रो महाप्राज्ञो वरुणस्येह गोपते: । एष वै शीलवृत्तेन शौचेन च विशिष्यते,ये गोपति वरुणके परम बुद्धिमान् पुत्र हैं; जो अपने उत्तम स्वभाव, सदाचार और पवित्रताके कारण अपना विशिष्ट स्थान रखते हैं
eṣa putro mahāprājño varuṇasyeha gopateḥ | eṣa vai śīlavṛttena śaucena ca viśiṣyate ||
Kaṇva said: “This is the son of Varuṇa, lord and protector of cattle here—one of great wisdom. Indeed, he stands out by his noble disposition and conduct, and by his purity.”
कण्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
True distinction is grounded in śīla (good character), vṛtta (right conduct), and śauca (purity). Social standing or lineage is affirmed, but moral excellence is presented as the decisive mark of worth.
Kaṇva identifies and introduces a person as Varuṇa’s son and publicly commends him, emphasizing his exceptional wisdom and his recognized excellence in character, behavior, and purity.