Shloka 120
नलस्य बाहुकत्वेन ऋतुपर्णनगरप्रवेशः
Nala as Bāhuka enters Ṛtuparṇa’s city
यक्षी वा राक्षसी वा त्वमुताहो$सि वराड़ना । सर्वथा कुरु नः स्वस्ति रक्ष वास्माननिन्दिते,“तुम यक्षी हो या राक्षसी अथवा कोई श्रेष्ठ देवांगना हो? अनिन्दिते! सर्वथा हमारा कल्याण एवं संरक्षण करो। कल्याणि! यह हमारा समूह शीघ्र कुशलपूर्वक यहाँसे चला जाय और हमलोगोंका सब प्रकारसे भला हो, ऐसी कृपा करो”
yakṣī vā rākṣasī vā tvam utāho'si varāṅganā | sarvathā kuru naḥ svasti rakṣa vāsmān anindite ||
Bṛhadaśva disse: “És tu uma Yakṣī, ou uma Rākṣasī, ou talvez alguma nobre donzela celestial? Ó irrepreensível, assegura de todos os modos o nosso bem-estar—protege-nos. Concede que nossa companhia parta daqui depressa, em segurança, e que o bem nos venha de todos os lados.”
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
In uncertainty and danger, one seeks protection through respectful speech and an appeal to auspiciousness (svasti). The verse models prudence and humility: rather than provoking an unknown power, the speaker requests welfare and safety for the group.
Bṛhadaśva addresses an unknown female supernatural presence, unsure whether she is benevolent (Yakṣī/celestial maiden) or malevolent (Rākṣasī). He asks her to ensure the party’s well-being, protect them, and allow them to leave the place safely.