Shloka 2
Pātāla-varṇana (Nārada’s Description of the Netherworld) / पातालवर्णनम्
नारदो<थाब्रवीदेनं क्व भवान् गन्तुमुद्यत: । स्वेन वा सूत कार्येण शासनाद् वा शतक्रतो:
nārado ’thābravīd enaṃ kva bhavān gantum udyataḥ | svena vā sūta kāryeṇa śāsanād vā śatakratoḥ ||
Então Nārada lhe perguntou: “Ó cocheiro divino, para onde estás prestes a partir? Esta jornada é por algum dever teu, ou em obediência à ordem de Śatakratu (Indra)?”
कण्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before acting, one should clarify the source and purpose of one’s action—whether it arises from personal duty (svakārya) or from legitimate authority (śāsana). The verse highlights ethical accountability through examination of intention and authorization.
Nārada encounters a divine charioteer who is about to depart and questions him about his destination and motive, asking whether the journey is for his own task or undertaken under Indra’s command.