Shloka 16
कलेर्द्वापरस्य च नले प्रति कोपः
Kali and Dvāpara’s Resolve Against Nala
प्रशशंसुश्न सुप्रीता नल॑ ता विस्मयान्विता: । न चैनमभ्यभाषन्त मनोभिस्त्वभ्यपूजयन्,अत्यन्त प्रसन्न और आश्वर्यचकित होकर उन सबने राजा नलके सौन्दर्यकी प्रशंसा की। उन्होंने उनसे वार्तालाप नहीं किया; परंतु मन-ही-मन उनका बड़ा आदर किया
praśaśaṃsuś ca suprītā nalaṃ tā vismayānvitāḥ | na cainam abhyabhāṣanta manobhis tv abhyapūjayan ||
Delighted and filled with wonder, they praised King Nala’s beauty. Yet they did not address him in conversation; instead, they honoured him inwardly, paying him reverence in their hearts—an etiquette of restrained speech joined to sincere respect.
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic social ethic: genuine respect need not be loud or intrusive. Restraint in speech (not pressing conversation) can coexist with deep inner reverence, showing self-control and propriety.
Bṛhadaśva describes how those who saw King Nala were delighted and astonished by his appearance. They praised him, but did not directly speak with him; instead, they honoured him silently in their hearts.