Shloka 1.10.28

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

Devanagari script

तत्र चानीयमाने तु विप्रे तस्मिन्महात्मनि।ववर्ष सहसा देवो जगत्प्रह्लादयंस्तदा।।।।

Transliteration

indriyārthair abhimatair naracitta-pramāthibhiḥ |

puram ānāyayiṣyāmaḥ kṣipraṃ cādhyavasīyatām ||

Translation

“Using attractive sense-pleasures that can overpower a man’s mind, we will bring him to the city—let the decision be made quickly.”

Context

As the illustrious sage was being brought (to Anga) the god of rain (Parjanya) suddenly inundated the earth which looked cherful (with rain).

Characters & Entities

• Romapāda
• Ṛśyaśṛṅga
• Aṅga (implied city/kingdom)

FAQs

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

It presents a tension in rājadharma: securing public welfare (ending drought) is sought through morally questionable means (manipulative temptation).

What is the narrative situation?

Romapāda’s ministers propose a plan to lure the ascetic Ṛśyaśṛṅga into the city so that rains may return.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pragmatic statecraft (though ethically ambiguous), prioritizing the kingdom’s survival and relief from famine.