Shloka 41
सूर्य–कर्णोपदेशः
Sūrya’s Counsel to Karṇa on Kīrti and the Kuṇḍala
अस्ति त्वत्र नलो नाम वानर: शिल्पिसम्मत: । त्वष्टदेंवस्य तनयो बलवान विश्वकर्मण:,“तुम्हारी सेनामें एक नल नामक वानर है जो शिल्पियोंके लिये भी आदरणीय है। बलवान् नल देवशिल्पी विश्वकर्माका पुत्र है
asti tvatra nalo nāma vānaraḥ śilpisammataḥ | tvaṣṭṛdevasya tanayo balavān viśvakarmaṇaḥ ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “Here among you there is a monkey named Nala, esteemed even by master craftsmen. He is powerful, the son of the divine artisan Viśvakarman, born of the god Tvaṣṭṛ.” The statement highlights that skill used in service of a righteous cause is itself worthy of honor, and that capability joined with proper purpose becomes a support for dharma.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Excellence in craft (śilpa) is honorable, especially when directed toward a righteous purpose; strength and skill gain ethical value when they support dharma and the community.
Mārkaṇḍeya identifies a key figure within the vānara host: Nala, a renowned and powerful artisan, and notes his divine parentage (connected with Tvaṣṭṛ and Viśvakarman), establishing his authority and capability for important constructive tasks.