Shloka 1.9.9

ऋश्यशृङ्गानयनकथा — The Account of Bringing Ṛśyaśṛṅga (and the Remedy for Drought)

Devanagari script

अनावृष्ट्यां तु वृत्तायां राजा दु:खसमन्वित:।ब्राह्मणान्श्रुतवृद्धांश्च समानीय प्रवक्ष्यति।। ।।

Transliteration

anāvṛṣṭyāṃ tu vṛttāyāṃ rājā duḥkha-samanvitaḥ | brāhmaṇān śruta-vṛddhāṃś ca samānīya pravakṣyati ||

Translation

When drought set in, the king—overwhelmed with sorrow—summoned the brāhmaṇas and the elders made venerable by learning, and addressed them to seek counsel.

Context

With drought prevailing, the grief-stricken king, would summon all those grown old with learning and tell them.

Characters & Entities

• rājā (king)
• brāhmaṇa
• śruta-vṛddha (learned elders)

FAQs

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

Rajadharma: in public calamity (like drought), a ruler should seek guidance from learned and virtuous elders rather than act impulsively; governance is grounded in consultation with dharmic authority.

What is the narrative situation?

A drought prevails, producing distress in the kingdom; the king responds by convening brāhmaṇas and learned elders to deliberate and decide the proper course.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and responsibility in leadership—recognizing limits, valuing śāstra-informed counsel, and prioritizing the welfare of subjects.