Mahabharata — Ashvamedhika Parva, Shloka 14
Kṛṣṇasya Dvārakā-praveśaḥ — Krishna’s Return to Dvārakā and the Raivataka Festival
अवाप्तार्थोहमग्येह भवांश्व पुरुषादक: । भवत्सकाशमागन्तुं क्षमं मम न वेति वै,आज यहाँ मेरा मनोरथ सफल हो गया है और आप नरभक्षी राक्षस हो गये हैं। ऐसी दशामें आपके पास मेरा फिर लौटकर आना उचित है या नहीं
avāptārtho 'ham adya iha bhavāṁś ca puruṣādakaḥ | bhavat-sakāśam āgantuṁ kṣamaṁ mama na veti vai ||
“Ngayong araw, dito, natupad na ang aking layon—at ikaw ay naging nilalang na kumakain ng tao. Sa gayong kalagayan, nararapat ba na bumalik pa akong muli sa iyong harapan, o hindi?”
उत्तद़्क उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical discernment: even after achieving one’s goal, one must judge whether continued association with a morally degraded or dangerous person is proper. Success does not override prudence and dharmic propriety.
Uttanka states that his objective has been accomplished, but observes that the other party has become a ‘puruṣādaka’ (man-eater). He therefore questions whether it is appropriate or safe for him to return to that person’s presence.