Shloka 17
Akṣa-hṛdaya-dāna and Phalāśruti of the Nalopākhyāna (अक्षहृदयदानम् / नलोपाख्यान-फलश्रुतिः)
इयेष स शिरश्छेत्तुं खड्गेन कुपितो नल: । स्मयंस्तु रोषताम्राक्षस्तमुवाच नलो नृप:,इस प्रकार बहुत-से असम्बद्ध प्रलाप करनेवाले पुष्करकी ये बातें सुनकर राजा नलको बड़ा क्रोध हुआ। उन्होंने तलवारसे उसका सिर काट लेनेकी इच्छा की। रोषसे उनकी आँखें लाल हो गयीं तो भी राजा नलने हँसते हुए उससे कहा--
iyeṣa sa śiraś chettuṁ khaḍgena kupito nalaḥ | smayaṁs tu roṣatāmrākṣas tam uvāca nalo nṛpaḥ ||
Enraged, Nala wished to cut off his head with a sword. Yet though his eyes had reddened with wrath, Nala—still smiling—spoke to him, revealing restraint and self-command even at the height of provocation.
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when provoked and capable of immediate retaliation, a ruler’s higher strength lies in restraint—governing anger rather than being governed by it. Nala’s smile amid reddened eyes highlights inner discipline and ethical kingship.
Puṣkara speaks provocatively; Nala becomes furious and momentarily intends to behead him with a sword. Yet Nala checks himself and speaks instead, indicating a turn from impulsive violence toward controlled response.