Shloka 32
Jaratkāru’s Marital Compact and Departure (जरत्कारु–जरत्कारुणी संवादः)
स त॑ गृहा नृपश्रेष्ठ सचिवानिदमब्रवीत् । अस्तमभ्येति सविता विषादद्य न मे भयम्,नृपश्रेष्ठ परीक्षितने उस कीड़ेको हाथमें लेकर मन्त्रियोंसे इस प्रकार कहा--“अब सूर्यदेव अस्ताचलको जा रहे हैं; इसलिये इस समय मुझे सर्पके विषसे कोई भय नहीं है
sa taṁ gṛhā nṛpaśreṣṭha sacivān idam abravīt | astam abhyeti savitā viṣād adya na me bhayam, nṛpaśreṣṭha parīkṣitena |
Então, ó melhor dos reis, ele tomou aquele verme na mão e dirigiu-se aos seus ministros: «O Sol já se põe; por isso, neste momento não temo o veneno—nem mesmo o da serpente—pois o rei Parīkṣit foi tornado vulnerável.»
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how wrongdoing often relies on timing and perceived impunity; ethical vigilance and righteous protection should not lapse merely because a day ends or circumstances seem routine.
Takṣaka (the serpent) speaks to ministers, holding a worm/insect, and declares that since the sun is setting he does not fear poison-related danger, implying the moment is ripe to act against King Parīkṣit.