Shloka 21
स बाल एव तत्रस्थश्नरन्नमितबुद्धिमान् | गृहे पन्नगराजस्य प्रयत्नात् परिरक्षित:,अमित बुद्धिमान् आस्तीक बाल्यावस्थामें ही वहाँ रहकर ब्रह्मचर्यका पालन एवं धर्मका आचरण करने लगा। नागराजके भवनमें उसका भलीभाँति यत्नपूर्वक लालन-पालन किया गया। सुवर्णके समान कान्तिमान् शूलपाणि देवेश्वर भगवान् शिवकी भाँति वह बालक दिनोदिन बढ़ता हुआ समस्त नागोंका आनन्द बढ़ाने लगा
sa bāla eva tatrāvasthitaḥ śrayan amitabuddhimān | gṛhe pannagarājasya prayatnāt parirakṣitaḥ ||
Even while still a boy, he stayed there and, with remarkable intelligence, took refuge in disciplined living—observing brahmacarya and practicing dharma. In the house of the king of serpents he was carefully protected and nurtured with great effort. Growing day by day, radiant like gold and likened to Lord Śiva, he became a source of joy to all the Nāgas.
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that ethical strength is cultivated early: even in childhood, disciplined conduct (brahmacarya) and commitment to dharma, supported by careful guardianship, lead to growth that benefits the wider community.
Takṣaka describes how the boy Āstīka remained in the Nāga king’s residence, was diligently protected and raised, and grew day by day—radiant and admirable—bringing joy to the Nāgas.