Shloka 14
मन्दपाल उवाच नाहमेवं चरे लोके यथा त्वमभिमन्यसे । अपत्यहेतोर्विचरे तच्च कृच्छूगतं मम,मन्दपालने कहा--अरी! तू जैसा समझती है, उस भावसे मैं इस संसारमें नहीं विचरता हूँ। मेरा विचरना तो केवल संतानके लिये होता है। मेरी वह संतान ही संकटमें पड़ी हुई है
Mandapāla uvāca: nāham evaṁ care loke yathā tvam abhimanyase | apaty-hetor vicare tac ca kṛcchragataṁ mama ||
Mandapāla disse: “Não caminho por este mundo com o motivo que imaginas. Vago apenas por causa da descendência — e essa mesma descendência minha caiu em aflição.”
मन्दपाल उवाच
Educational Q&A
Mandapāla clarifies that ethical judgment should consider intention (bhāva): his actions are not driven by selfish desire as assumed, but by responsibility toward his children. The verse foregrounds parental duty and the importance of not misreading another’s motives.
Mandapāla responds to an accusation or suspicion about why he is wandering. He insists his purpose is solely to secure the welfare of his offspring, who are currently in danger or suffering.