Shloka 21
Adhyāya 96: Nārada Guides Mātali in Varuṇa’s Realm
Varuṇa-loka Darśana
इत्यामन्त्रय सुधर्मा स कृत्वा चाभिप्रदक्षिणम् । कन्यां शिरस्युपापच्राय प्रविवेश महीतलम्,सुधर्मासे ऐसी सलाह करके मातलिने इष्टदेवकी परिक्रमा की और कन्याका मस्तक सूँघकर रसातलमें प्रवेश किया
ity āmantrya sudharmā sa kṛtvā cābhipradakṣiṇam | kanyāṃ śirasy upāghrāya praviveśa mahītalam ||
Pagkatapos magpaalam nang gayon, isinagawa ni Sudharmā ang pradakṣiṇā bilang paggalang. Pagkaraan, inamoy niya ang tuktok ng ulo ng dalaga bilang mapagmahal na basbas at pamamaalam, at saka siya pumasok sa lupa, patungo sa mga daigdig sa ilalim.
कण्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette in departure: one should take leave respectfully, honor what is revered through pradakṣiṇā, and offer affectionate, protective blessing to the vulnerable (here, the maiden) before leaving.
Sudharmā formally takes leave, performs a reverential circumambulation, blesses the maiden by smelling her head, and then departs by entering into the earth—suggesting a supernatural descent to subterranean realms.