Shloka 9
हिरण्यस्य सुवर्णस्य यानयुग्यस्य वाससाम् | आविष्ट: कलिना दझ्यूते जीयते सम नलस्तदा,तब कलियुगसे आविष्ट होकर राजा नल हिरण्य, सुवर्ण, रथ आदि वाहन और बहुमूल्य वस्त्र दाँवपर लगाते तथा हार जाते थे। सुहृदोंमें कोई भी ऐसा नहीं था, जो द्यूतक्रीडाके मदसे उन्मत्त शत्रुदमन नलको उस समय जूआ खेलनेसे रोक सके
hiraṇyasya suvarṇasya yānayugyasya vāsasām | āviṣṭaḥ kalinā dyūte jīyate sa nalo tadā ||
Bṛhadaśva said: Possessed by Kali, Nala at that time kept staking gold, refined treasure, teams fit for chariots, and costly garments in gambling—and he would lose. No well-wishing friend could then restrain Nala, the subduer of foes, who had become intoxicated by the passion of dice. The episode underscores how a corrosive influence and addiction can eclipse judgment, squander rightful wealth, and silence the counsel of those who seek one’s good.
ब॒हृदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that when one is overpowered by a corrupting influence (Kali) and the intoxication of gambling, discernment collapses: wealth meant for righteous purposes is squandered, and even good counsel from friends fails to restrain the person. Ethically, it highlights the need for self-control and timely avoidance of addictive vices.
Bṛhadaśva describes Nala’s decline: under Kali’s possession he repeatedly stakes valuables—gold, chariot-teams, and fine clothing—in dice-play and keeps losing, while no friend is able to stop him because he is carried away by the frenzy of gambling.