Shloka 5.61.21

मधुवनप्रवेशः — The Vanaras Enter Madhuvana (Honey-Grove Episode)

Devanagari script

उवाच कांश्चित्परुषाणि धृष्टमसक्तमन्यांश्च तलैर्जघान।समेत्य कैश्चित्कलहं चकार तथैव साम्नोपजगाम कांश्चित्।।।।

Transliteration

uvāca kāṃścit paruṣāṇi dhṛṣṭam asaktam anyāṃś ca talair jaghāna |

sametya kaiścit kalahaṃ cakāra tathaiva sāmn opajagāma kāṃścit ||

Translation

To some he spoke harsh words; others he checked and silenced; some he struck with his palm. With some he confronted them directly and quarreled, and with others he approached in a conciliatory way.

Context

He spoke harshly to some, to others he asked not to talk, some he slapped on the hind part with the palm of his hand. To some he spoke pleasantly and with some he quarrelled. And to others he spoke in a conciliatory manner.

Characters & Entities

• Dadhimukha (implied)
• vānaras

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance uses proportionate means: correction may require firmness, restraint, and also conciliation. The verse reflects layered methods of restoring order.

What is the narrative situation?

Dadhimukha attempts multiple tactics—rebuke, physical restraint, argument, and gentle persuasion—to stop the drunken monkeys.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical leadership: adapting one’s response to the situation while aiming at protection and order.