Shloka 23
Dialogue of Father and Son (Pitṛputra-saṃvāda) — Mohinī Episode
कच्चिद्गावो न दुह्यन्ते पुत्र चांडलवेश्मानि । कच्चिद्वचनकर्तारस्तनयाश्च पितुः सदा ॥ २३ ॥
kaccidgāvo na duhyante putra cāṃḍalaveśmāni | kaccidvacanakartārastanayāśca pituḥ sadā || 23 ||
Wahai anakku, adakah lembu-lembu diperah tanpa halangan, dan adakah bahkan rumah-rumah kaum Caṇḍāla pun dijaga dengan sewajarnya? Dan adakah anak-anak lelaki sentiasa taat—melaksanakan kata-kata ayah mereka setiap masa?
Narada (inquiry-style instruction on righteous governance and social welfare)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It frames dharma as practical compassion and order: prosperity (cows properly milked), inclusive care (even marginalized households), and disciplined family conduct (children honoring the father’s word).
By implying that devotion is not merely ritual; it is expressed through dharmic living—protecting dependents, avoiding neglect of the vulnerable, and honoring elders—actions that sustain sattva and support Vishnu-oriented righteousness.
Primarily dharma-nīti (ethical governance) rather than a specific Vedāṅga; the verse reflects applied smṛti-style guidance—household discipline and protection of cattle—often paired with ritual economy in Purāṇic practice.