Shloka 28
Adhyāya 31: Rājasūya-samāgama — The Gathering of Kings and the Ordering of Hospitality
नीलस्य राज्ञो दुहिता बभूवातीवशोभना । सानम्निहोत्रमुपातिष्ठद् बोधनाय पितु: सदा
nīlasya rājño duhitā babhūvātivaśobhanā | sānamnihotram upātiṣṭhad bodhanāya pituḥ sadā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “King Nīla had a daughter of extraordinary beauty. Ever attentive to her duty, she regularly attended the sacred fire in the household Agnihotra, tending it and keeping it kindled, so as to rouse and support her father in the proper performance of his rites.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in the form of faithful observance of Vedic household rites and filial responsibility: the daughter supports her father’s religious discipline by diligently tending the Agnihotra fire.
Vaiśampāyana introduces King Nīla’s exceptionally beautiful daughter and describes her regular service at the Agnihotra—attending the fire daily and keeping it active—thereby assisting and prompting her father in his ritual duties.