Shloka 20
Rāma’s Abhiṣeka Plan, Kaikeyī’s Boon, and the Initiation of the Exile
Mārkaṇḍeya’s Account
न क्रोधो न च मात्सर्य नावमानो न सम्भ्रम: । सपुत्रदारमुछ्छन्तमाविवेश द्विजोत्तमम्,स्त्री-पुत्रसहित अन्नके दाने चुनते हुए विप्रवर मुद्गलके हृदयमें क्रोध, द्वेष, घबराहट तथा अपमान प्रवेश नहीं कर सके
na krodho na ca mātsarya nāvamāno na sambhramaḥ | saputradāram ucchantam āviveśa dvijottamam ||
Vyāsa said: No anger, no envy, no sense of insult, and no agitation could enter the heart of that best of Brahmins. Even while he was gleaning food together with his wife and son—living in hardship—Mudgala remained untouched by wrath, malice, confusion, or wounded pride.
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches mastery over inner reactions: a dharmic person remains steady even in poverty and social slight, refusing entry to anger, envy, humiliation, or agitation. Ethical strength is shown as inner composure rather than outward power.
Vyāsa describes the Brahmin Mudgala living austerely with his wife and son, gathering leftover food. Despite this hardship and the potential for shame or irritation, he remains unshaken—none of the negative emotions can take hold of him.