Shloka 54
Duḥṣantasya Vana-praveśaḥ
King Duḥṣanta’s Entry into the Forest Hunt
सूक्ष्मधर्मार्थतत्त्वज्ञो गत्वा श्येनं ततोडब्रवीत् । मत्प्रियार्थमिदं सौम्य शुक्रे मम गृहं नय
sūkṣma-dharmārtha-tattvajño gatvā śyenaṃ tato 'bravīt | mat-priyārtham idaṃ saumya śukre mama gṛhaṃ naya ||
सूक्ष्मधर्मार्थतत्त्वज्ञो गत्वा श्येनं ततोऽब्रवीत् । मत्प्रियार्थमिदं सौम्य शुक्रं मम गृहं नय ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a ruler’s discernment in balancing dharma (right conduct) and artha (practical aims): even in pursuing lineage and royal continuity, action is framed as timely, purposeful, and guided by knowledge of subtle principles.
King Vasu entrusts a hawk with carrying his semen to his home so it may reach Queen Girikā during her fertile period; the hawk departs swiftly as a messenger.