Shloka 1.10.18
ऋश्यशृङ्ग-आनयनम् (Bringing Ṛśyaśṛṅga to Aṅga and His Marriage to Śāntā)
प्रतिगृह्य च तां पूजां सर्वा एव समुत्सुका:।ऋषेर्भीताश्च शीघ्रं ता गमनाय मतिं दधु:।।।।
romapādam uvācedaṃ sahāmātyaḥ purohitaḥ |
upāyo nirapāyo ’yam asmābhir abhicintitaḥ ||
The royal priest, together with the ministers, addressed Romapāda: “We have deliberated upon a plan—one that is safe and without risk.”
The anxious courtesans received the offerings and afraid of the ascetic's return, made up their minds to withdraw immediately.
It highlights rajadharma guided by counsel: a king should act through well-considered, non-harmful means rather than impulsive measures, aiming at welfare without needless risk.
Romapāda’s priest and ministers present a carefully devised strategy to address the kingdom’s crisis (the broader episode concerns bringing Ṛśyaśṛṅga to the realm).
Prudence and responsible governance—deliberation (mantra) before action.