Shloka 12
नलस्य पुष्करजयो द्यूते
Nala’s Victory over Puṣkara in the Dice-Game
किंचित् तु नापराधं ते कृतवानस्मि नैषध । अज्ञातवासे वसतो मद्गृहे वसुधाधिप,(और पुनः कहा--) “नैषध! भूपालशिरोमणे! आप मेरे घरपर जब अज्ञातवासकी अवस्थामें रहते थे, उस समय मैंने आपका कोई अपराध तो नहीं किया है?
Bṛhadaśva uvāca: kiñcit tu nāparādhaṃ te kṛtavān asmi naiṣadha | ajñātavāse vasato madgṛhe vasudhādhipa ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “O Naiṣadha, lord of the earth—while you were living incognito in my house, I did not commit even the slightest offense against you, did I?”
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds ethical self-scrutiny in relationships of protection and hospitality: a host (or protector) should ensure he has not wronged a guest—especially one living in vulnerability (incognito). It reflects dharma as careful avoidance of even minor offense and respect for another’s dignity.
Bṛhadaśva addresses Nala (called Naiṣadha), recalling the time Nala lived secretly (ajñātavāsa) in his house. He asks whether he committed any offense against Nala during that concealed stay, implying concern for proper conduct and the moral weight of how one treats a hidden or dependent guest.