Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.1800

c9.1800

2) Suhotra made to give way. King Suhotra of Kuru dynasty once on his return from a visit of maharṣis saw King Śibi coming in the opposite direction in his chariot, and both the Kings saluted each other as their age ordained. But, they did not give passage to each other as they thought themselves to be equal in merit. At that time Nārada came there and asked the kings why they stood there thus blocking the path. They answered Nārada thus : "He who is more noble or clever on account of former actions etc. is usually given way to by the other person. Both of us are comrades and are equals." Nārada then spoke as follows:— "Oh ! King of the Kuru dynasty! You are cruel to the gentle and gentle to the cruel. To the evil you are good; then why not be good to the good. Devas have ordered that he who does good will get it hundredfold by return. King Uśīnara is more noble and gentle than you are. The miser is won over by liberality, the liar by truth, the cruel by patience and the evil person by good. But, both of you Kings are noble persons. Therefore, one of you should give way to the other." Listening to Nārada's advice, Suhotra gave way to Śibi and proceeded on his way. (Vana Parva, Chapter 194).