Shloka 15
Kuvalāśva’s Lineage and Uttaṅka’s Petition concerning Dhundhu (धुन्धु-प्रसङ्गः)
तत्राभ्याशस्थो5डपि वश्िन्नापश्यदथ प्रधानामा-त्यो5भ्याशचरास्तस्य स्त्रियो5पृच्छत्,“वहाँ निकट होते हुए भी कोई उनका दर्शन नहीं कर पाता था। तब एक दिन प्रधान मन्त्रीने राजाके पास रहनेवाली स्त्रियोंसे पूछा--
tatrābhyāśastho 'pi vaśī nāpaśyad atha pradhānāmātyo 'bhyāśacaras tasya striyo 'pṛcchat—
そこでは、近くにいるにもかかわらず、誰ひとりとして自制の王の姿を拝することができなかった。やがてある日、王の近くを出入りする宰相が、内殿に住まう女たちに問いただした。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how power and presence can be insulated by protocol, secrecy, or deliberate self-restraint: even when physically near, a ruler (or a disciplined person) may remain inaccessible, prompting ethical questions about transparency, trust, and the responsibilities of those who manage access.
Although the person in question is nearby, no one is able to see him. A chief minister who has close access becomes concerned or curious and therefore questions the women living in the king’s residence to learn what is preventing an audience or sight.