Shloka 1.32.23

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

Devanagari script

तासां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा वायु: परमकोपन:।प्रविश्य सर्वगात्राणि बभञ्ज भगवान् प्रभु:।।।।

Transliteration

kriyatāṃ pālanaṃ putrāḥ dharmaṃ prāpsyatha puṣkalam ||

Translation

My sons, undertake governance in accord with dharma; by such rule you shall gain abundant merit.

Context

Having heard the words of those maidens, the most powerful and venerable Wind-god became furious. He entered all the limbs of their bodies, twisted and distorted them.

Characters & Entities

• Kuśa
• pālana (governance)
• dharma

FAQs

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

Rulership is legitimate only when it is exercised as dharmic pālana—protective governance that prioritizes righteousness over personal gain.

What is the narrative situation?

Kuśa gives a concise directive to his sons: govern in a way aligned with dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsibility in leadership—seeing power as a duty of protection and moral order.