Shloka 6
अक्षहृदय-विद्या-प्रदानम्
Transmission of Akṣa-hṛdaya; Kali’s Exit and the Bibhītaka Refuge
सूतस्तस्य नरेन्द्रस्य विरूपो हस्वबाहुक: । शीघ्रयानेषु कुशलो मृष्टकर्ता च भोजने,“वह महाराज ऋतुपर्णका सारथि है। उसकी भुजाएँ छोटी हैं तथा वह देखनेमें कुरूप भी है। वह घोड़ोंको शीघ्र हाँकनेमें कुशल है और अपने बनाये हुए भोजनमें बड़ा मिठास उत्पन्न कर देता है
sūtastasya narendrasya virūpo hrasvabāhukaḥ | śīghrayāneṣu kuśalo mṛṣṭakartā ca bhojane ||
Dijo Bṛhadaśva: «Ese hombre es el auriga del rey. Es de aspecto desagradable y de brazos cortos; sin embargo, es muy diestro en conducir caballos veloces, y sabe hacer que la comida resulte extraordinariamente sabrosa.»
बृहदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that outward appearance is not a reliable measure of worth: a person may be physically unimpressive yet possess exceptional competence and usefulness. It implicitly commends valuing merit, skill, and service over superficial judgments.
Bṛhadaśva describes the king Ṛtupārṇa’s charioteer, noting his unattractive look and short arms but emphasizing his remarkable abilities—especially in fast driving and in preparing delicious food—thereby characterizing an important attendant in the king’s household.