The Dynasty of Vaivasvata Manu Begins — Ilā/Sudyumna and the Birth of Purūravā
स एकदा महाराज विचरन् मृगयां वने । वृत: कतिपयामात्यैरश्वमारुह्य सैन्धवम् ॥ २३ ॥ प्रगृह्य रुचिरं चापं शरांश्च परमाद्भुतान् । दंशितोऽनुमृगं वीरो जगाम दिशमुत्तराम् ॥ २४ ॥
sa ekadā mahārāja vicaran mṛgayāṁ vane vṛtaḥ katipayāmātyair aśvam āruhya saindhavam
O Haring Parīkṣit, minsang ang bayaning si Sudyumna, kasama ang ilang ministro at mga kasamahan, ay sumakay sa kabayong mula sa Sindhu at pumasok sa gubat upang mangaso. Nakasuot siya ng baluti, may dalang magandang busog at mga palasong kahanga-hanga; habang hinahabol at pinapatay ang mga hayop, narating niya ang hilagang bahagi ng gubat.
This verse depicts a king setting out on a forest hunt with ministers and a swift horse—showing a common royal activity in the narrative context, often used to move the plot toward significant events.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating to Mahārāja Parīkṣit, continuing the historical account of royal dynasties in the Ninth Canto.
Even powerful leaders are shown acting within roles and duties; the takeaway is to be mindful that everyday choices and outings can have consequences, so one should act with responsibility and good counsel.