Shloka 17
Haryaśva’s Agreement with Gālava and the Birth of Vasumanā
Nārada’s narration
गते पतगराजे तु गालव: सह कनन््यया । चिन्तयान: क्षमं दाने राज्ञां वै शुल्कतोडगमत्
gate patagarāje tu gālavaḥ saha kanyayā | cintayānaḥ kṣamaṃ dāne rājñāṃ vai śulkatoḍaṃ jagāmat |
鸟王既去，伽罗婆偕少女沉思：诸王之中，何物可为合宜之赠。为求以合法而可行之道满足所索之聘财，他前往舒尔卡托达（Śulkatoḍa），立志在不违正法之下取得所需财富。
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before acting, one should deliberate on what is kṣama—ethically proper and practically feasible—especially in matters of wealth, obligations, and social customs. The verse highlights conscientious decision-making so that a vow or duty is fulfilled without impropriety.
After the departure of the ‘king of birds’ (Garuḍa), Gālava continues his quest with the maiden. He considers how kings can rightly provide the required payment (śulka) and then goes to a figure/place named Śulkatoḍa to pursue the means of obtaining it.