Shloka 37
Kuvalāśva’s Lineage and Uttaṅka’s Petition concerning Dhundhu (धुन्धु-प्रसङ्गः)
“सुशोभनाके रतिकलासम्बन्धी गुणोंने राजाके मनको बाँध लिया था। वे उसे पाकर ऐसे प्रसन्न हुए, मानो उन्हें तीनों लोकोंका राज्य मिल गया हो। उन्होंने आनन्दके आँसू बहाते हुए मण्डूकराजको प्रणाम किया और उसका यथोचित सत्कार करते हुए हर्षगद्गद वाणीमें कहा--“मण्डूकराज! तुमने मुझपर बड़ी कृपा की है' ।। सच मण्डूकराजो दुहितरमनुज्ञाप्प यथागतमगच्छत्,“तत्पश्चात् कन्यासे विदा लेकर मण्डूकराज जैसे आया था, वैसे ही अपने स्थानको चला गया
vaiśampāyana uvāca | saśobhanākā ratikalā-sambandhī guṇair rājño mana ābadhnāt | tāṃ prāpya sa evaṃ prahṛṣṭo 'bhavat yathā trailokya-rājyaṃ prāptaḥ syāt | sa ānandāśrūṇi muñcan maṇḍūka-rājaṃ praṇamya yathocitaṃ satkṛtvā harṣa-gadgadāṃ vācam uvāca— “maṇḍūka-rāja! tvayā mayi mahān anugrahaḥ kṛtaḥ” iti | tataḥ sa kanyāṃ samanujñāpya maṇḍūka-rājo yathāgataṃ jagāma |
Vaiśampāyana said: The king’s mind was captivated by the maiden’s excellent qualities connected with the arts of love and delight. Having obtained her, he rejoiced as though he had gained sovereignty over the three worlds. With tears of joy he bowed to King Maṇḍūka, honored him fittingly, and in a voice choked with happiness said, “King Maṇḍūka, you have shown me great kindness.” Then, after taking leave of the girl, King Maṇḍūka departed, returning the way he had come.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds gratitude and proper conduct: when one receives a great benefit, one should respond with humility (praṇāma), appropriate honor (yathocita satkāra), and sincere acknowledgment of the benefactor’s kindness (anugraha).
The king, delighted at obtaining the maiden and her captivating qualities, becomes overjoyed, bows to King Maṇḍūka, thanks him emotionally, and honors him; afterward Maṇḍūka takes leave and returns to his own place.