Shloka 31
Keśinī’s Inquiry to Bāhuka and the Emotional Signs of Concealed Identity (केशिन्याः बाहुकपरीक्षा)
कलेस्तस्य तदार्तस्य शापाग्नि: स विनि:सृत: । स तेन कर्शितो राजा दीर्घकालमनात्मवान्,द्यूत-विद्याका रहस्य जाननेके अनन्तर नलके शरीरसे कलियुग निकला। तब कर्कोटक नागके तीखे विषको अपने मुखसे बार-बार उगल रहा था। उस समय कष्टमें पड़े हुए कलियुगकी वह शापाग्नि भी दूर हो गयी। राजा नलको उसने दीर्घकालतक कष्ट दिया था और उसीके कारण वे किंकर्तव्यविमूढ हो रहे थे
bṛhadaśva uvāca | kalestasyā tadārtasya śāpāgniḥ sa viniḥsṛtaḥ | sa tena karśito rājā dīrghakālam anātmavān |
布里哈达湿婆说道：其时，那受苦的迦梨身上的诅咒之火逸出而去。那罗王久为其所困，长久以来失却自持——心神迷乱，正当的辨别被遮蔽。
बृहदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical danger of losing self-mastery under harmful influences (Kali) and the possibility of release when the force of affliction is driven out; dharma is sustained by vigilance, restraint, and clarity of mind.
Bṛhadaśva narrates that the curse-fire associated with the afflicted Kali comes out and departs; Nala, who had been tormented by Kali for a long time, had become anātmavān—bereft of self-control and mentally bewildered.