Shloka 1.10.22

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

Devanagari script

आपृच्छ्य च तदा विप्रं व्रतचर्यां निवेद्य च।गच्छन्ति स्मापदेशात्ता भीतास्तस्य पितुस्स्त्रिय:।।।।

Transliteration

āpṛcchya ca tadā vipraṃ vratacaryāṃ nivedya ca |

gacchanti smāpadeśāt tā bhītās tasya pituḥ striyaḥ ||

Translation

Then, after taking leave of the brāhmaṇa and citing the observance of their vows as a pretext, those women—fearful of his father—went away.

Context

The ladies apprehensive of (the arrival of) his father took leave of him on the pretext of observance of (evening) rites.

Characters & Entities

• Ṛśyaśṛṅga (vipra)
• his father (contextually Vibhaṇḍaka)
• women/courtesans
• vrata (vow/rite)

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts dharmic language (vrata) with strategic concealment; it invites reflection on satya (truthfulness) versus expedient speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Fearing discovery by Ṛśyaśṛṅga’s father, the women withdraw, politely taking leave and offering a religious excuse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Externally, decorum and politeness; implicitly, calculated caution.