Shloka 17
Haryaśva’s Agreement with Gālava and the Birth of Vasumanā
Nārada’s narration
गते पतगराजे तु गालव: सह कनन््यया । चिन्तयान: क्षमं दाने राज्ञां वै शुल्कतोडगमत्
gate patagarāje tu gālavaḥ saha kanyayā | cintayānaḥ kṣamaṃ dāne rājñāṃ vai śulkatoḍaṃ jagāmat |
Lorsque le roi des oiseaux se fut éloigné, Galava, accompagné de la jeune fille, réfléchit à ce qu’il serait convenable de recevoir des rois en guise de don. Cherchant un moyen légitime et praticable d’acquitter le prix nuptial exigé, il se rendit à Śulkatoḍa, résolu à obtenir la richesse requise sans enfreindre la bienséance ni le dharma.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before acting, one should deliberate on what is kṣama—ethically proper and practically feasible—especially in matters of wealth, obligations, and social customs. The verse highlights conscientious decision-making so that a vow or duty is fulfilled without impropriety.
After the departure of the ‘king of birds’ (Garuḍa), Gālava continues his quest with the maiden. He considers how kings can rightly provide the required payment (śulka) and then goes to a figure/place named Śulkatoḍa to pursue the means of obtaining it.