Shloka 17
Haryaśva’s Agreement with Gālava and the Birth of Vasumanā
Nārada’s narration
गते पतगराजे तु गालव: सह कनन््यया । चिन्तयान: क्षमं दाने राज्ञां वै शुल्कतोडगमत्
gate patagarāje tu gālavaḥ saha kanyayā | cintayānaḥ kṣamaṃ dāne rājñāṃ vai śulkatoḍaṃ jagāmat |
Setelah raja segala burung berangkat, Gālava, bersama gadis itu, merenung tentang apakah yang wajar diterima sebagai pemberian daripada para raja. Demi mencari jalan yang sah dan dapat dilaksanakan untuk memenuhi mas kahwin yang dituntut, dia pergi ke Śulkatoḍa, bertekad memperoleh kekayaan yang diperlukan tanpa melanggar kepatutan dan dharma.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before acting, one should deliberate on what is kṣama—ethically proper and practically feasible—especially in matters of wealth, obligations, and social customs. The verse highlights conscientious decision-making so that a vow or duty is fulfilled without impropriety.
After the departure of the ‘king of birds’ (Garuḍa), Gālava continues his quest with the maiden. He considers how kings can rightly provide the required payment (śulka) and then goes to a figure/place named Śulkatoḍa to pursue the means of obtaining it.