Shloka 1.62.13
शुनश्शेफरक्षा–विश्वामित्रशापः (Sunassepha’s Rescue and Visvamitra’s Curse)
मुनेस्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा मधुच्छन्दादय स्सुता:।साभिमानं नरश्रेष्ठ सलीलमिदमब्रुवन्।।।।
munes tu vacanaṃ śrutvā madhucchandādayaḥ sutāḥ | sābhimānaṃ naraśreṣṭha salīlam idam abruvan ||
Having heard the sage’s words, his sons—beginning with Madhucchandas—spoke these words, O foremost of men, with pride and a casual ease.
"O Best of men (Rama)! in response to the words of the sage Madhuchanda and others said thus in a casual way with self-esteem.
The verse sets up a dharmic debate: self-respect and moral agency shape how one responds to authority, even parental or ascetic authority.
The sage’s sons, led by Madhucchandas, prepare to answer his demand, and their tone is described as proud and untroubled.
Self-respect (abhimāna in the sense of dignity) and assertiveness—qualities that can support dharma when aligned with truth, or obstruct it when driven by ego.