Shloka 1.32.5

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

Devanagari script

क्रियतां पालनं पुत्रा: धर्मं प्राप्स्यथ पुष्कलम्।।1.32.4।।ऋषेस्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा चत्वारो लोकसम्मता:।निवेशं चक्रिरे सर्वे पुराणां नृवरास्तदा।।1.32.5।।

Transliteration

tāḥ kanyā vāyunā bhagnā viviśur nṛpater gṛham | prāpatan bhuvi sambhrāntāḥ salajjāḥ sāsralocanāḥ ||

Translation

Those maidens, shattered by Vāyu, entered the king’s palace; trembling in distress, ashamed and with tear-filled eyes, they fell upon the ground.

Context

"O my sons, govern with righteousness so that you will acquire immense merit'. Hearing the words of the rishi, the four sons who were the best among men and revered in the world constructed four cities as their abodes.

Characters & Entities

• Vāyu
• king (Kuśanābha)
• palace (nṛpati-gṛha)

FAQs

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

It underscores the human cost when power is used against dharma; innocence suffers, and social shame compounds physical harm.

What is the narrative situation?

After being afflicted by Vāyu, the daughters return to their father’s palace and collapse in grief and humiliation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Endurance amid suffering; their return to the father also reflects reliance on rightful guardianship.