Shloka 23
अक्षद्यूतप्रवेशः — Kali’s Entry and the Initiation of the Dice-Contest
तमपश्यंस्तथा5<5यान्तं लोकपाला महेश्वरा: । दृष्टवा चैनं ततो<पृच्छन् वृत्तान्तं सर्वमेव तम्,महान् शक्तिशाली लोकपालोंने इस प्रकार राजा नलको लौटते देखा और उन्हें देखकर उनसे सारा वृत्तान्त पूछा--
tam apaśyaṃs tathā yāntaṃ lokapālā maheśvarāḥ | dṛṣṭvā cainaṃ tato 'pṛcchan vṛttāntaṃ sarvam eva tam ||
Seeing him returning in that manner, the mighty guardians of the worlds (the Lokapālas) observed him. After beholding him, they questioned him fully about everything that had occurred.
बृहदश्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
Those entrusted with protection and governance must seek a complete and truthful account of events before judging outcomes; inquiry into causes and consequences is part of righteous oversight (dharma) and responsible kingship.
As the king (Nala, in context) is seen returning, the Lokapālas—mighty cosmic guardians—notice him and then question him, asking for the full story of what has happened.