Shloka 16
Ruru’s Lament and the Lifespan Exchange for Pramadvarā (रुरु–प्रमद्वरा आयुर्विभागः)
सौतिरुवाच एवमुक्ते ततः कन्या सोदतिष्ठत् प्रमद्धरा । रुरोस्तस्यायुषो<र्धेन सुप्तेव वरवर्णिनी,उग्रश्रवाजी कहते हैं--धर्मराजके ऐसा कहते ही वह सुन्दरी मुनिकन्या प्रमद्वरा रुकी आधी आयुसे संयुक्त हो सोयी हुईकी भाँति जाग उठी
sautir uvāca—evam ukte tataḥ kanyā sodatiṣṭhat pramadharā | ruros tasyāyuṣo 'rdhena supteva varavarṇinī ||
Sauti said: When Dharmarāja had spoken thus, the maiden Pramadvarā at once rose up. As if awakening from sleep, that fair-complexioned girl returned to life, joined again with half of Ruru’s allotted lifespan—an episode that underscores the power of truthful speech and compassionate resolve to restore what has been lost.
धर्मराज उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic power expressed through truthful, compassionate speech and self-giving: life is restored when a righteous resolution is voiced and enacted, showing that ethical intent can transform even seemingly irreversible loss.
After Dharmarāja speaks, Pramadvarā—previously lifeless—rises as if waking from sleep. She is revived by being united with half of Ruru’s lifespan, indicating that Ruru’s life-force (or allotted years) is shared so she may live.