Shloka 24
Draupadī’s Lament and the Question of Kṣatriya Forbearance (द्रौपद्याः शोकप्रलापः क्षमानिर्णयश्च)
काले मृदुर्यो भवति काले भवति दारुण: । स वै सुखमवाप्रोति लोकेअ<मुष्मिन्निहैव च,जो मौका देखकर कोमल होता है और उपयुक्त अवसर आनेपर भयंकर भी बन जाता है, वही इहलोक और परलोकमें सुख पाता है
kāle mṛdur yo bhavati kāle bhavati dāruṇaḥ | sa vai sukham avāpnoti loke ’muṣminn ihaiva ca ||
Prahlāda said: “One who is gentle when the time calls for gentleness, and who becomes formidable when the occasion demands severity—such a person attains well-being both here in this world and also in the world beyond. Timely restraint and timely firmness, applied with discernment, are the marks of wise conduct.”
प्रह्माद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches situational wisdom: a dharmic person knows when to be gentle and when to be stern. Such balanced conduct—neither constant softness nor constant harshness—leads to welfare in both this life and the next.
Prahlāda is presenting a moral principle in the form of counsel: effective and righteous conduct depends on timing and appropriateness—gentleness for suitable moments and severity when circumstances require decisive action.