Shloka 22
ययातिदौहित्रपुण्यसमुच्चयः | Yayāti and the Grandsons’ Consolidation of Merit
नारदजी कहते हैं--इसी समय उन राजाओंने अपनी माता माधवीको देखा
nārada uvāca—etasminn eva kāle te rājānaḥ svamātaraṃ mādhavīṃ dadṛśuḥ, yā mṛgīva taiḥ saha vicaramāṇā kramāś tatraivopāgatā. tāṃ praṇamya rājānaḥ evam apṛcchan—“tapodhane! iha bhavatyā āgamanasya kiṃ prayojanam? vayaṃ tava kām ājñāṃ pālayāma? vayaṃ sarve tava putrāḥ; ataḥ yogyasevāyai asmān ājñāpayasva.” teṣāṃ tad bhāṣitaṃ śrutvā mādhavī parayā mudā pitaram upāgacchat; yajātiṃ sā vavande ca.
Narada said: At that very time the kings saw their mother, Madhavi, who—like a doe moving with the herd—had been roaming along with them and now arrived there in due course. After bowing to her, the kings asked: “O woman rich in austerity, for what purpose have you come here? What command of yours should we carry out? We are all your sons; therefore, instruct us in the service that is fitting.” Hearing their words, Madhavi was filled with great joy; she went to her father Yayati and bowed to him.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as reverence and readiness to serve one’s mother and elders. The kings’ humility—bowing first, then asking what duty they should perform—models ethical conduct grounded in obedience, gratitude, and proper service (yogyasevā).
The kings encounter their mother Madhavi, who has been moving along with them. They respectfully inquire why she has come and what she wishes them to do. Pleased by their words, Madhavi goes to her father Yayati and offers him obeisance.