Pūru-vaṁśa, Duṣmanta–Śakuntalā, and the Rise of Mahārāja Bharata
कण्व: कुमारस्य वने चक्रे समुचिता: क्रिया: । बद्ध्वा मृगेन्द्रंतरसा क्रीडति स्म स बालक: ॥ १८ ॥
kaṇvaḥ kumārasya vane cakre samucitāḥ kriyāḥ baddhvā mṛgendraṁ tarasā krīḍati sma sa bālakaḥ
Dans la forêt, le sage Kaṇva accomplit pour le nouveau-né les rites convenables, tels que le jātakarma et autres. Plus tard, l’enfant devint si puissant qu’il capturait un lion et jouait avec lui.
This verse describes the boy’s extraordinary vigor—so powerful that he would bind a lion and play—indicating exceptional kṣatriya-like prowess from childhood.
Kaṇva Ṛṣi, acting as the child’s guardian in the āśrama setting, carried out the appropriate duties and rites (kriyāḥ) to properly raise and sanctify him according to dharma.
It highlights the value of proper guidance and formative training in childhood—developing strength and character under disciplined, dharmic care.