Shloka 1.10.19

ऋश्यशृङ्ग-आनयनम् (Bringing Ṛśyaśṛṅga to Aṅga and His Marriage to Śāntā)

Devanagari script

अस्माकमपि मुख्यानि फलानीमानि वै द्विज ।गृहाण प्रति भद्रं ते भक्षयस्व च मा चिरम्।।।।

Transliteration

pratigṛhya ca tāṃ pūjāṃ sarvā eva samutsukāḥ |

ṛṣer bhītāś ca śīghraṃ tā gamanāya matiṃ dadhuḥ ||

Translation

Having accepted those offerings, all of them—eager yet anxious—grew fearful of the ascetic and quickly resolved to depart.

Context

'O brahmin, these are excellent fruits. May prosperity be to you. Accept them and eat them without delay.'

Characters & Entities

• courtesans (vāramukhyāḥ—implied in the episode)
• ṛṣi (sage/ascetic; contextually Ṛśyaśṛṅga or his father)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Actions that may violate ascetic boundaries carry consequences; the verse underscores caution and accountability—recognizing potential adharma and withdrawing before harm escalates.

What is the narrative situation?

The women accept the ritual-like gifts and, fearing the sage’s reaction (notably the father’s arrival in context), decide to leave immediately to keep their plan concealed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic restraint—knowing when to disengage to avoid immediate conflict.