Shloka 25
Pātāla-varṇana (Nārada’s Description of the Netherworld) / पातालवर्णनम्
बहून्यद्धुतरूपाणि द्रष्टव्यानीह मातले | तव कार्यावरो धस्तु तस्माद् गच्छाव मा चिरम्
bahūny adbhutarūpāṇi draṣṭavyānīha mātale | tava kāryāvarodhas tu tasmād gacchāva mā ciram, mātale ||
Kaṇva said: “O Mātali, in this realm of Varuṇa there are many wondrous sights worth seeing. Yet lingering to view them all would obstruct your duty; therefore let us depart without delay, O Mātali, and proceed onward to the Nāga-world.”
कण्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when surrounded by extraordinary attractions, one should not let curiosity or pleasure delay one’s assigned duty; timely action in accordance with purpose is a form of dharma.
Kaṇva addresses Mātali during an otherworldly journey: although Varuṇa’s realm contains many marvels, Kaṇva urges immediate departure so that Mātali’s mission is not hindered, and they proceed toward the Nāga-world.