Shloka 25
Sarasvatī-Śāpavimokṣa, Rākṣasa-Mokṣa, and Aruṇā-Tīrtha
Indra–Namuci Expiation
तस्य तद् वचन श्रुत्वा कृपाशीलस्य सा सरित् | चिन्तयामास कौरव्य कि कृत्वा सुकृतं भवेत्,कुरुनन्दन! उन कृपाशील महर्षिका वह वचन सुनकर सरस्वती सोचने लगी, “क्या करनेसे शुभ होगा?”
tasya tad vacanaṁ śrutvā kṛpāśīlasya sā sarit | cintayāmāsa kauravya kiṁ kṛtvā sukṛtaṁ bhavet, kurunandana |
Hearing those words of the compassionate sage, the river Sarasvatī began to reflect: “O descendant of the Kurus, O joy of the Kuru line—what action would truly become a meritorious deed?”
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical deliberation: after hearing compassionate counsel, one should reflect on what course of action truly constitutes sukṛta (merit). It frames dharma not as impulse but as thoughtful choice guided by compassion.
Vasiṣṭha is speaking, and the river-goddess Sarasvatī, having heard the compassionate sage’s words, pauses to consider what she should do next so that her action will be auspicious and meritorious.