Shloka 22
ऋतुपर्णस्य विदर्भयात्रा-निश्चयः तथा बाहुकस्य हयपरिक्षा (Ṛtuparṇa’s resolve to go to Vidarbha and Bāhuka’s examination of horses)
बाढमित्येव तामुक्त्वा हृष्टा मातृष्वसा नृप । गुप्तां बलेन महता पुत्रस्यानुमते तत:,“माँ! यदि तुम मेरा कुछ भी प्रिय करना चाहती हो तो मेरे लिये शीघ्र किसी सवारीकी व्यवस्था कर दो। मैं विदर्भदेश जाना चाहती हूँ।” राजन! तब “बहुत अच्छा” कहकर दमयन्तीकी मौसीने प्रसन्नतापूर्वक अपने पुत्रकी राय लेकर सुन्दरी दमयन्तीको पालकीपर बिठाकर विदा किया। उसकी रक्षाके लिये बहुत बड़ी सेना दे दी। भरतश्रेष्ठ! राजमाताने दमयन्तीके साथ खाने-पीनेकी तथा अन्य आवश्यक सामग्रियोंकी अच्छी व्यवस्था कर दी
bāḍham ity eva tām uktvā hṛṣṭā mātṛṣvasā nṛpa | guptāṃ balena mahatā putrasyānumate tataḥ ||
“So be it,” she replied. O King, Damayantī’s maternal aunt, delighted, then—having gained her son’s consent—sent the fair lady forth, seating her in a palanquin and granting a great armed escort for her protection. With food, drink, and all necessities properly arranged, Damayantī set out toward Vidarbha, upheld by her elders’ care and prudent security.
युदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights responsible guardianship: elders support a dependent traveler not only with affection but with practical safeguards—securing consent, arranging conveyance, provisions, and protection—showing dharma as care expressed through prudent action.
Damayantī’s maternal aunt agrees to her request, consults her own son, and then sends Damayantī off in a palanquin with a large protective escort and necessary supplies, as Damayantī proceeds toward Vidarbha.