Shloka 32
Jaratkāru’s Marital Compact and Departure (जरत्कारु–जरत्कारुणी संवादः)
स त॑ गृहा नृपश्रेष्ठ सचिवानिदमब्रवीत् । अस्तमभ्येति सविता विषादद्य न मे भयम्
sa taṁ gṛhā nṛpaśreṣṭha sacivān idam abravīt | astam abhyeti savitā viṣād adya na me bhayam, nṛpaśreṣṭha parīkṣitena |
Entonces, oh el mejor de los reyes, tomó aquel gusano en su mano y se dirigió a sus ministros: «El Sol está poniéndose; por eso, en este momento no temo al veneno—ni siquiera al de la serpiente—pues el rey Parīkṣit ha quedado expuesto y vulnerable».
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how wrongdoing often relies on timing and perceived impunity; ethical vigilance and righteous protection should not lapse merely because a day ends or circumstances seem routine.
Takṣaka (the serpent) speaks to ministers, holding a worm/insect, and declares that since the sun is setting he does not fear poison-related danger, implying the moment is ripe to act against King Parīkṣit.