Shloka 24
Akṛtavraṇa’s Account Begins: Gādhi–Satyavatī–Ṛcīka and the Bhārgava Lineage Prelude
न चापि भगवान् वाच्यो दीयतामिति भार्गव । देया मे दुहिता चैव त्वद्विधाय महात्मने,'भगुनन्दन! आप कोई निन्दनीय तो हैं नहीं, यह शुल्क चुका दीजिये, फिर आप-जैसे महात्माको मैं अवश्य अपनी कन्या ब्याह दूँगा"
na cāpi bhagavān vācyo dīyatām iti bhārgava | deyā me duhitā caiva tvadvidhāya mahātmane ||
Акритаврана сказал: «И не подобает обращаться к столь почтенному мужу, как ты, унизительно: “Плати!” О Бхаргава. Когда будет внесён должный выкуп, я непременно отдам свою дочь в жёны великодушному, подобному тебе».
अकृतव्रण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes ethical speech and social propriety: even when insisting on a lawful obligation (the bride-price), one should not address a revered person harshly. Dharma includes both the demand itself and the manner of making it.
Akṛtavraṇa addresses a Bhārgava, clarifying that he will not insult him by bluntly ordering payment; yet he maintains the condition that the required śulka must be given, after which he will give his daughter in marriage to such a worthy, great-souled man.