Shloka 14
मन्दपाल उवाच नाहमेवं चरे लोके यथा त्वमभिमन्यसे । अपत्यहेतोर्विचरे तच्च कृच्छूगतं मम,मन्दपालने कहा--अरी! तू जैसा समझती है, उस भावसे मैं इस संसारमें नहीं विचरता हूँ। मेरा विचरना तो केवल संतानके लिये होता है। मेरी वह संतान ही संकटमें पड़ी हुई है
Mandapāla uvāca: nāham evaṁ care loke yathā tvam abhimanyase | apaty-hetor vicare tac ca kṛcchragataṁ mama ||
Mandapāla said: “I do not move about in this world with the motive you imagine. I wander only for the sake of offspring—and that very offspring of mine has fallen into distress.”
मन्दपाल उवाच
Educational Q&A
Mandapāla clarifies that ethical judgment should consider intention (bhāva): his actions are not driven by selfish desire as assumed, but by responsibility toward his children. The verse foregrounds parental duty and the importance of not misreading another’s motives.
Mandapāla responds to an accusation or suspicion about why he is wandering. He insists his purpose is solely to secure the welfare of his offspring, who are currently in danger or suffering.