Shloka 2
अलर्कोपाख्यानम् — Indriya-Nigraha and Yogic Victory
Mahābhārata 14.30
अलर्कों नाम राजर्षिरभवत् सुमहातपा: । धर्मज्ञ: सत्यवादी च महात्मा सुदृढव्रत:,पहलेकी बात है, अलर्क नामसे प्रसिद्ध एक राजर्षि थे, जो बड़े ही तपस्वी, धर्मज्ञ, सत्यवादी, महात्मा और दृढ़प्रतिज्ञ थे
alarko nāma rājarṣir abhavat sumahātapāḥ | dharmajñaḥ satyavādī ca mahātmā sudṛḍhavrataḥ ||
Wika ng Karagatan: “Noong unang panahon ay may isang rājārṣi na nagngangalang Alarka—isang ascetic na may dakilang pagtitiyaga, nakaaalam ng dharma, nagsasalita ng katotohanan, marangal ang kalooban, at matatag sa kanyang mga panata.”
समुद्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents an ethical ideal: true greatness in a ruler is measured by dharma-knowledge, truthfulness, disciplined vows, and ascetic self-control—qualities that make kingship morally legitimate and spiritually elevated.
The Ocean begins a didactic recollection, introducing Alarka as a paradigmatic royal sage. This functions as the opening of an exemplum—setting up a story meant to illustrate dharmic conduct through Alarka’s character.