Shloka 25
Droṇotpattiḥ and Dhanurveda-Prāpti
Origin of Droṇa and Acquisition of Martial Science
छायेवानुगता राजन् सततं वशवर्तिनी | भविष्यामि नरव्याप्र नित्यं प्रियहिते रता
chāyevā́nugatā rājan satataṁ vaśavartinī | bhaviṣyāmi naravyāghra nityaṁ priyahite ratā ||
அரசே! நிழலைப் போல நான் எப்போதும் உங்களைத் தொடர்ந்து, இடையறாது உங்கள் கட்டளைக்குள் இருப்பேன். மனிதர்களில் புலியே! உங்களுக்கு இனியதும் நலமுமானதிலும் நான் என்றும் ஈடுபட்டிருப்பேன்.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents an ethic of steadfast loyalty: to accompany someone as inseparably as a shadow, expressed through obedience (vaśavartinī) and active commitment to the other’s welfare (priya-hita). It highlights service not merely as attachment, but as sustained concern for what benefits the one served.
Within Vaiśampāyana’s narration, a woman (unnamed in this verse) addresses a king/hero, promising constant attendance, obedience to his commands, and dedication to his pleasure and well-being—using the vivid simile of a shadow that never leaves its bearer.