Shloka 27
नलस्य बाहुकत्वेन ऋतुपर्णनगरप्रवेशः
Nala as Bāhuka enters Ṛtuparṇa’s city
वने चास्मिन् महाघोरे सिंहव्याप्रनिषेविते | शयानमुपविष्टं वा स्थितं वा निषधाधिप,निषधनरेश! इस महाभयंकर वनमें, जहाँ सिंह-व्याप्र रहते हैं, आप कहीं सोये हैं, बैठे हैं अथवा खड़े हैं?
vane cāsmin mahāghore siṁha-vyāghra-niṣevite | śayānam upaviṣṭaṁ vā sthitaṁ vā niṣadhādhipa ||
Sinabi ni Bṛhadaśva: “O panginoon ng Niṣadha, sa napakakilabot na gubat na ito—na dinadalaw ng mga leon at tigre—ikaw ba’y nakahiga sa kung saan, o nakaupo, o nakatayo?”
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a king is vulnerable in adversity; the verse highlights mindful concern and responsible inquiry in a dangerous setting—an ethical impulse to locate and safeguard a person amid peril.
Bṛhadaśva addresses the king of Niṣadha (Nala), asking where he is in a terrifying forest inhabited by lions and tigers—whether he is lying down, seated, or standing—indicating urgency and concern for his safety.