Shloka 48
Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances
ततस्तस्यां स भगवान् प्रीति चक्रे निशाकरः । सास्य हृद्या बभूवाथ तस्मात् तां बुभुजे सदा,इसलिये भगवान् चन्द्रमा उससे अधिक प्रेम करने लगे, वही उनकी हृदयवल्लभा हुई; अतः वे सदा उसीका उपभोग करते थे
tatastasyāṃ sa bhagavān prītiṃ cakre niśākaraḥ | sāsyā hṛdyā babhūvātha tasmāt tāṃ bubhuje sadā ||
Thereafter the divine Moon (Niśākara) conceived a special affection for her. She became dear to his heart; therefore he continually enjoyed her company—an episode that underscores how attachment and preference can arise even in celestial beings, setting the stage for later moral reflection on desire and partiality.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how strong preference and attachment can arise, leading to continual indulgence; ethically, it invites reflection on how desire and partiality—even when framed as love—can become a binding force with consequences.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Moon developed special affection for a particular woman, found her especially dear, and therefore remained continually engaged with her.