Shloka 50
नलस्य बाहुकत्वेन ऋतुपर्णनगरप्रवेशः
Nala as Bāhuka enters Ṛtuparṇa’s city
नलो नामारिहा श्याम: पुण्यश्लोक इति श्रुतः । ब्रह्मण्यो वेदविद् वाग्मी पुण्यकृत् सोमपो5ग्निमान्,“उनका नाम नल है। शत्रुदमन, श्यामसुन्दर राजा नल पुण्यश्लोक कहे जाते हैं। वे बड़े ब्राह्मणभक्त, वेदवेत्ता, वक्ता, पुण्यात्मा, सोमपान करनेवाले और अग्निहोत्री हैं
nalo nāmārihā śyāmaḥ puṇyaśloka iti śrutaḥ | brahmaṇyo vedavid vāgmī puṇyakṛt somapo 'gnimān |
布利哈达湿婆说道：“他的名字叫那罗——降伏仇敌者，肤色黝黑，素闻号为‘福颂王（Puṇyaśloka）’，德行为世所颂的君王。他敬奉婆罗门，通晓吠陀，辞令雄辩，常修功德，于祭仪中饮苏摩，并以阿耆尼霍特罗守护圣火。”
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents an ethical ideal of kingship: true renown (puṇyaśloka) arises from dharmic conduct—reverence for Brahmins and sacred learning, mastery of the Vedas, truthful and effective speech, and commitment to sacrificial duties (Soma rites and Agnihotra).
Bṛhadaśva introduces and praises King Nala by listing his recognized qualities—valor against enemies, good repute, learning, eloquence, and faithful performance of Vedic rituals—setting the stage for Nala’s story and its moral significance.