Shloka 16
अनिकेतो5थ राजा स बभूव वनगोचर: । ते चापि सहिते देव्यौ संजयश्न तमन्वयु:
aniketo ’tha rājā sa babhūva vanagocaraḥ | te cāpi sahite devyau sañjayaś ca tam anvayuḥ ||
Then that king became without a fixed abode, moving about in the forest. The two queens also, together with Sañjaya, followed him—sharing his austere path and choosing fidelity to duty over the comforts of royal life.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in the form of renunciation and steadfast companionship: when worldly power is relinquished, one should accept a disciplined life without attachment to comfort, and those bound by duty and love may choose to share that austere path.
Nārada narrates that the king leaves settled habitation and lives as a forest-wanderer; the two queens accompany him, and Sañjaya also follows, forming a small retinue committed to the forest-ascetic mode of life.