Shloka 50
नलस्य बाहुकत्वेन ऋतुपर्णनगरप्रवेशः
Nala as Bāhuka enters Ṛtuparṇa’s city
नलो नामारिहा श्याम: पुण्यश्लोक इति श्रुतः । ब्रह्मण्यो वेदविद् वाग्मी पुण्यकृत् सोमपो5ग्निमान्,“उनका नाम नल है। शत्रुदमन, श्यामसुन्दर राजा नल पुण्यश्लोक कहे जाते हैं। वे बड़े ब्राह्मणभक्त, वेदवेत्ता, वक्ता, पुण्यात्मा, सोमपान करनेवाले और अग्निहोत्री हैं
nalo nāmārihā śyāmaḥ puṇyaśloka iti śrutaḥ | brahmaṇyo vedavid vāgmī puṇyakṛt somapo 'gnimān |
Bṛhadaśva said: “His name is Nala—subduer of foes, dark-hued and renowned as ‘Puṇyaśloka’, a king of celebrated virtue. He is devoted to Brahmins, learned in the Vedas, eloquent in speech, a doer of merit, a drinker of Soma in sacrifice, and one who maintains the sacred fire through Agnihotra.”
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents an ethical ideal of kingship: true renown (puṇyaśloka) arises from dharmic conduct—reverence for Brahmins and sacred learning, mastery of the Vedas, truthful and effective speech, and commitment to sacrificial duties (Soma rites and Agnihotra).
Bṛhadaśva introduces and praises King Nala by listing his recognized qualities—valor against enemies, good repute, learning, eloquence, and faithful performance of Vedic rituals—setting the stage for Nala’s story and its moral significance.