Shloka 4
Divodāsa–Mādhavī Saṃvāda: Pratardana-janma and Kanyā-niryātana (दिवोदास–माधवी संवादः / प्रतर्दन-जननम् / कन्या-निर्यातनम्)
समर्थेयं जनयितुं चक्रवर्तिनमात्मजम् । ब्रृहि शुल्कं द्विजश्रेष्ठ समीक्ष्य विभवं मम
samartheyam janayituṃ cakravartinam ātmajam | brūhi śulkaṃ dvijaśreṣṭha samīkṣya vibhavaṃ mama ||
“Gadis ini mampu melahirkan seorang putera yang akan menjadi cakravartin, pemerintah sejagat. Maka, wahai Brahmana yang terbaik, setelah menimbang kemampuan dan kekayaanku, nyatakanlah mas kahwin/tebusan pengantin (śulka) yang patut baginya.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how marriage negotiations in epic society could involve śulka (bride-price) and how ethical propriety is framed as acting according to one’s means (vibhava). It also reflects the cultural ideal of lineage and kingship, where the worth of a match is discussed in terms of producing a capable heir.
Nārada addresses a Brahmin guardian/father of a maiden, praising her capacity to bear a future cakravartin-like son, and requests that the Brahmin state the appropriate śulka after assessing Nārada’s wealth and standing.