Shloka 25
मधुकैटभवधोपाख्यानम्
The Account of the Slaying of Madhu and Kaiṭabha
लोके वैधर्म्यमेतत् तु दृश्यते बहुविस्तरम् । हीनज्ञानाश्न हष्यन्ते क्लिश्यन्ते प्राज़्कोविदा:
loke vaidharmyametat tu dṛśyate bahuvistaram | hīnajñānāś ca hṛṣyanti kliśyante prājñakovidāḥ ||
ബകൻ പറഞ്ഞു—ഈ ലോകത്ത് ധർമ്മത്തിന്റെ ഈ വിപര്യാസം വളരെ വ്യാപകമായി കാണപ്പെടുന്നു: ഹീനജ്ഞാനികൾ ആഹ്ലാദിക്കുന്നു; യഥാർത്ഥ പ്രാജ്ഞരും വിവേകികളും ക്ലേശിക്കുന്നു.
बक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral paradox: in a world where dharma is inverted, the ignorant often prosper or feel happy, while the truly wise—because they see clearly and act conscientiously—experience distress. It critiques social disorder and the apparent triumph of unworthy conduct.
Baka is speaking and commenting on the state of the world, observing that adharma appears widespread and that outcomes often seem unjust—those lacking discernment celebrate, while the discerning endure hardship.