Shloka 16
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 147 — Kanyā-paridevita
The daughter’s lament on lineage and protection
स तथेति प्रतिश्रुत्य खनको यत्नमास्थित: । परिखामुत्किरन्नाम चकार च महाबिलम्,तब उस सुरंग खोदनेवालेने “बहुत अच्छा, ऐसा ही होगा”, यह प्रतिज्ञा की और कार्यसिद्धिके प्रयत्नमें लग गया। खाईकी सफाई करनेके व्याजसे उसने एक बहुत बड़ी सुरंग तैयार कर दी
sa tatheti pratiśrutya khanako yatnam āsthitaḥ | parikhām utkiran nāma cakāra ca mahābilam ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: El cavador, tras prometer: «Así será», se aplicó con empeño a cumplir la tarea. Con el pretexto de limpiar el foso, labró en secreto un túnel subterráneo inmenso.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outwardly legitimate work can be used as a cover for concealed intentions. Ethically, it invites reflection on integrity: effort and skill are value-neutral, but their moral weight depends on the purpose and honesty behind them.
A digger agrees to do what is asked and then applies himself to the task. While ostensibly clearing a trench, he excavates and prepares a large underground passage (a tunnel), implying a covert plan being executed under an acceptable pretext.