Shloka 25
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 98 — Paraśurāma’s kṣatriya suppression; Dīrghatamas, Bali, Sudēṣṇā, and the birth of Aṅga
स राजा शानन््तनुर्धीमान् देवराजसमप्युति: । बभूव मृगयाशील: शान्तनुर्वनगोचर:,बुद्धिमान् राजा शान्तनु देवराज इन्द्रके समान तेजस्वी थे। वे हिंसक पशुओंको मारनेके उद्देश्यसे वनमें घूमते रहते थे
sa rājā śāntanur dhīmān devarājasamapadyutiḥ | babhūva mṛgayāśīlaḥ śāntanur vanagocaraḥ ||
Disse Vaiśampāyana: Aquele sábio rei Śāntanu, radiante como o rei dos deuses, tornou-se devotado à caça e costumava vagar pelas florestas. O verso enquadra o vigor e o esplendor régios ao lado de uma prática que envolve violência contra os animais, insinuando uma tensão ética entre a proeza do rei e o peso moral de tirar a vida por esporte ou hábito.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse juxtaposes royal brilliance and wisdom with the habit of hunting, inviting reflection on how power and personal inclinations should be guided by dharma—especially regarding violence and restraint.
Vaiśampāyana describes King Śāntanu as exceptionally radiant and wise, yet strongly inclined to hunting, frequently roaming the forest—an introduction that prepares for subsequent events connected with his forest wanderings.