Shloka 1.24.20

गङ्गा–सरयू-सङ्गमः, मलद–करूश-देशकथा, ताटकावनप्रवेशोपदेशः (The Confluence of Gaṅgā and Sarayū; the Tale of Malada–Karūśa; Counsel on Tātakā’s Forest)

Devanagari script

इह भूम्यां मलं दत्वा दत्वा कारूशमेव च।शरीरजं महेन्द्रस्य ततो हर्षं प्रपेदिरे।।1.24.20।।

Transliteration

iha bhūmyāṃ malaṃ datvā datvā kārūṣam eva ca |

śarīrajaṃ mahendrasya tato harṣaṃ prapेदire || 1.24.20 ||

Translation

Having left here upon this ground the bodily impurity of Mahendra—and his hunger as well—the gods thereafter attained great joy.

Context

With the hunger and the taint and impurity from the body of Mahendra removed at this place, the devas rejoiced.

Characters & Entities

• Mahendra (Indra)
• Devas
• Bhūmi (this place/land)

FAQs

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

Dharma involves transforming harm into harmony: impurity and suffering are not merely removed but are ritually ‘placed away’ so that order and well-being return.

What is the narrative situation?

Indra’s bodily taint and hunger are said to be left at that very location; the gods rejoice, marking the place as narratively and ritually significant.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The devas’ commitment to cosmic order—rejoicing not in power alone, but in restoration and cleansing.