Shloka 1.32.17

कुशवंशवर्णनम् — The Line of Kuśa and the Disfigurement of Kuśanābha’s Daughters by Vāyu

Devanagari script

चलं हि यौवनं नित्यं मानुषेषु विशेषत:।अक्षय्यं यौवनं प्राप्ताः अमर्यश्च भविष्यथ।।।।

Transliteration

ahaṃ vaḥ kāmaye sarvā bhāryā mama bhaviṣyatha |

mānuṣas tyajyatāṃ bhāvaḥ dīrgham āyur avāpsyatha || 1.32.16 ||

Translation

“I desire you all; become my wives. Cast off the sense of human mortality, and you shall attain a long span of life.”

Context

Youth is always unstable, especially in human beings. If you marry me, you will be ever youthful like devatas.

Characters & Entities

• Vāyu
• Kuśanābha (implied via daughters in later verses)
• kanyāśatam (hundred maidens)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires that marriage be aligned with rightful procedure, consent, and familial duty; a powerful being’s desire and promises (longevity) cannot override moral order.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāyu directly proposes to all the maidens at once, offering divine benefits in exchange for marriage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The forthcoming virtue is the maidens’ steadfastness and chastity; this verse highlights Vāyu’s attempt to persuade through power and reward.