Shloka 21
Jaratkāru’s Marital Compact and Departure (जरत्कारु–जरत्कारुणी संवादः)
जगाम तक्षकस्तूर्ण नगरं नागसाह्दयम् | अथ शुश्राव गच्छन् स तक्षको जगतीपतिम्
jagāma takṣakas tūrṇaṁ nagaraṁ nāgasāhṛdayam | atha śuśrāva gacchan sa takṣako jagatīpatim
Takṣaka hurried to the city that was dear to the Nāgas. As he went, Takṣaka then heard about the lord of the earth (the king). The verse underscores swift, purposeful movement toward one’s community and the gathering of intelligence about worldly power—an ominous prelude in the narrative where knowledge of the ruler becomes pivotal for impending action.
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how decisive action is often paired with awareness of political power: one moves swiftly toward one’s base of support while also seeking or receiving information about the ruler. Ethically, it foreshadows how knowledge and intent can be used for either protection or harm, depending on dharmic alignment.
Takṣaka hastens to a city beloved to the Nāgas. While traveling, he hears news concerning the ‘lord of the earth’—the reigning king—setting up the next developments where the king’s situation becomes relevant to Takṣaka’s impending role.