Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 41
Chatra–Upānah Dāna: Origin Narrative
Jamadagni–Reṇukā–Sūrya Saṃvāda
युरभ्युवाच बालजेन निदानेन कांस्यं भवतु दोहनम् । दुह्मोत परवत्सेन या ते हरति पुष्करम्
yur abhyuvāca bālajena nidānena kāṁsyaṁ bhavatu dohanam | duhmo ta paravatsena yā te harati puṣkaram ||
यु ने कहा—बालों की रस्सी से उसके पाँव बाँध दिए जाएँ; दोहन-पात्र काँसे का हो; और जिसने आपका कमल ले लिया है, वह गाय दूसरे गाय के बछड़े से दुही जाए।
शुनःसख उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes measured correction: when a valued possession is taken, the response should be controlled and procedural—restraining the wrongdoer and setting conditions—rather than driven by anger or harm. It reflects dharmic governance through proportionate remedy.
A directive is given regarding a cow that has taken someone’s lotus: her feet should be bound with a hair-rope, milking should be done using a bronze vessel, and she should be milked using another cow’s calf—practical steps to manage and discipline the situation.