Shloka 1.32.22

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

Devanagari script

पिता हि प्रभुरस्माकं दैवतं परमं हि न:।यस्य नो दास्यति पिता स नो भर्ता भविष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

dīptiyuktān mahotsāhān kṣatradharmacikīrṣayā | tān uvāca kuśaḥ putrān dharmiṣṭhān satyavādinaḥ ||

Translation

Desiring that they uphold the warrior’s dharma, Kuśa addressed his sons—radiant, high-spirited, steadfast in dharma, and devoted to truth.

Context

Our father is our lord. Our father is god to us. Whomsoever our father offers us shall become our husband".

Characters & Entities

• Kuśa
• kṣatriya-dharma

FAQs

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

Dharma here is kṣatriya-dharma—righteous duty in leadership and protection—grounded in satya (truthfulness) as a defining virtue.

What is the narrative situation?

Kuśa is instructing his sons, preparing them for rulership and the responsibilities of governance according to righteous norms.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness (satya) and firm commitment to dharma, paired with heroic energy suitable for responsible rule.