Shloka 23
पराशरस्य राक्षससत्रनिवृत्तिः | Paraśara’s Rakṣasa-Satra and Its Cessation
का हि सर्वेषु लोकेषु विश्रुताभिजनं नृपम् | कन्या नाभिलकषेन्नाथं भर्तारें भक्तवत्सलम्,नृपश्रेष्ठ! मैं अपने शरीरकी स्वामिनी नहीं हूँ, इसलिये आपके समीप नहीं आ सकती; कारण कि स्त्रियाँ कभी स्वतन्त्र नहीं होती। आपका कुल सम्पूर्ण लोकोंमें विख्यात है। आप-जैसे भक्तवत्सल नरेशको कौन कन्या अपना पति बनानेकी इच्छा नहीं करेगी?
kā hi sarveṣu lokeṣu viśrutābhijanaṃ nṛpam | kanyā nābhilakṣen nāthaṃ bhartāraṃ bhaktavatsalam ||
For what maiden would not wish to choose as her lord a king of renowned lineage, famed throughout all the worlds—one who is affectionate to the devoted? Such a ruler, O best of kings, is desired as a husband by all.
गन्धर्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how royal virtue—especially a king’s famed lineage, public reputation, and affectionate regard for the devoted—creates moral and social desirability. It reflects a dharma-based social ideal in which kingship is evaluated by character and renown, and marriage choice is framed within accepted norms of protection and guardianship.
A Gandharva addresses a king respectfully, praising his celebrated lineage and his devotion-friendly nature. The speaker argues that such a king would naturally be sought as a husband by any maiden, using this praise as part of a broader exchange about approach, propriety, and marital suitability.