Shloka 29
ययाति–देवयानी संवादः
Yayāti–Devayānī Dialogue and Śukra’s Consent
हत्वा शालावृकेभ्यश्व प्रायच्छेललवश: कृतम् । ततो गावो निवृत्तास्ता अगोपा: स्वं निवेशनम्,उन्होंने मारनेके बाद उनके शरीरको टुकड़े-टुकड़े कर कुत्तों और सियारोंको बाँट दिया। उस दिन गौएँ बिना रक्षकके ही अपने स्थानपर लौटीं
Vaiśampāyana uvāca |
Hatvā śālāvṛkebhyaś ca prāyacchel lavaśaḥ kṛtam |
Tato gāvo nivṛttās tā agopāḥ svaṃ niveśanam ||
ไวศัมปายนะกล่าวว่า—ครั้นสังหารเขาแล้ว พวกนั้นก็หั่นร่างเป็นชิ้น ๆ แจกให้สุนัขและหมาไน จากนั้นฝูงโคซึ่งไร้คนเลี้ยงก็กลับไปยังคอกของตนเองโดยลำพัง
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse juxtaposes human punitive action against predators with the responsibility implied in cattle-protection: when guardianship fails (agopāḥ), the community’s vulnerability is exposed, yet the cattle’s return suggests an underlying natural order. Ethically, it invites reflection on protection, proportional response, and the social duty to safeguard dependents.
After killing the predators (or those responsible for harm), the speaker reports that the bodies were cut up and thrown/distributed to dogs and jackals. With no herdsman present, the cows nonetheless make their way back to their home enclosure.