NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Deepakam: Chapter 11 — सन्निमित्ते वरं त्यागः (ख-भागः)
This chapter, 'A Sacrifice is Better for a Good Cause (Part B)', from NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Deepakam, narrates the story of Veeravara, a loyal servant of King Shudrak. Veeravara dedicates his salary to divine work, the poor, and his family, while diligently serving the king. One night, he hears a woman's cry and discovers the King's royal consort, who reveals the king has only three days to live. She proposes a difficult solution: if Veeravara sacrifices his most beloved possession to the goddess Sarvamangala, the king will live for a hundred years. Veeravara, though initially stunned, discusses this with his family. His son, Shaktidhara, readily offers himself, emphasizing the virtue of sacrifice for a noble cause. His wife, Veeravati, and daughter also agree. They go to the temple, and Veeravara offers his son. Feeling his life is now meaningless without his son, Veeravara sacrifices himself. His wife and daughter follow suit. The king, observing secretly, witnesses this ultimate sacrifice. The chapter highlights the importance of selfless sacrifice for the greater good and loyalty.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Deepakam |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — सन्निमित्ते वरं त्यागः (ख-भागः) |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 295 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of selfless sacrifice for a noble cause.
- Analyze the character of Veeravara and his family's loyalty.
- Appreciate the importance of duty towards the king and society.
- Learn new Sanskrit vocabulary related to sacrifice and loyalty.
- Develop an understanding of moral dilemmas and ethical choices.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| वीरवरः | A brave warrior/person (name) |
| राजपुरुषः | Royal attendant/official |
| वेतनं | Salary |
| देवकार्ये | For divine work/purpose |
| दरिद्रेभ्यः | To the poor |
| अवशिष्टं | Remaining |
| सवपत्याः | With his family/children |
| राजलक्ष्मीः | Royal fortune/consort |
| दीर्घायुः | Long life |
| उपायं | Remedy/solution |
| सर्वप्रियं | Most beloved |
| त्यागः | Sacrifice |
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Practice questions
- वीरवरः कस्य सेवकः आसीत्? Answer: वीरवरः राजा शूद्रकस्य सेवकः आसीत्।
- वीरवरः प्राप्तवेतनस्य कति भागान् कुत्र निययोजयति स्म? Answer: वीरवरः प्राप्तवेतनस्य अर्धं देवकार्ये, एकचतुर्थांशं दरिद्रेभ्यः, अवशिष्टं एकचतुर्थांशं सवपत्याः हस्ते निययोजयति स्म।
- राज्ञः शूद्रकस्य आययुः कति दिनानि अवशिष्टाः आसन्? Answer: राज्ञः शूद्रकस्य आययुः केवलं दिनत्रयम् एव अवशिष्टाः आसन्।
- राजलक्ष्मीः राजायाः दीर्घायुषः किम् उपायं सूचयति? Answer: राजलक्ष्मीः सूचयति यत् वीरवरः स्वस्य सर्वप्रियं वस्तु देव्यै सर्वमङ्गलायै उपहाररूपेण समर्पयति चेत् राजा चिरं जीविष्यति।
- शक्तिधरः पित्रे किम् अवदत्? Answer: शक्तिधरः अवदत् यत् सः एव पितुः प्रियतमः अस्ति इति, अतः सः स्वामिजीवितरक्षार्थं विनिययुक्तः भवितुम् इच्छति।
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'सन्निमित्ते वरं त्यागः (ख-भागः)'?
The main theme is the virtue of sacrifice for a noble cause, emphasizing loyalty, duty, and selflessness.
Who is Veeravara in this chapter?
Veeravara is a loyal servant of King Shudrak, known for his devotion and willingness to sacrifice for his king and for a good cause.
What difficult solution was proposed to save King Shudrak's life?
The solution was for Veeravara to sacrifice his most beloved possession to the goddess Sarvamangala.
What did Veeravara's son, Shaktidhara, offer?
Shaktidhara offered himself as the sacrifice, considering it an honor to save the king's life.
What did Veeravara and his family do in the end?
Veeravara sacrificed himself after his son, followed by his wife and daughter, also sacrificing themselves to the goddess.
What lesson does this chapter teach?
It teaches the importance of selfless sacrifice, loyalty, and the idea that true value lies in giving for a greater good.
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NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Deepakam — Chapter 11 — सन्निमित्ते वरं त्यागः (ख-भागः). Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.