Shloka 25
ऋतुपर्णस्य विदर्भयात्रा-निश्चयः तथा बाहुकस्य हयपरिक्षा (Ṛtuparṇa’s resolve to go to Vidarbha and Bāhuka’s examination of horses)
सर्वान् कुशलिनो दृष्टवा बान्धवान् दारकौ च तौ । मातरं पितरं चोभौ सर्व चैव सखीजनम्,राजन! समस्त बन्धु-बान्धवों, दोनों बच्चों, माता-पिता और सम्पूर्ण सखियोंको सकुशल देखकर यशस्विनी देवी दमयन्तीने उत्तम विधिके साथ देवताओं और ब्राह्मणोंका पूजन किया
sarvān kuśalino dṛṣṭvā bāndhavān dārakau ca tau | mātaraṃ pitaraṃ cobhau sarvaṃ caiva sakhījanam, rājan |
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O King, when the illustrious Damayantī saw that all her kinsmen were safe—both the children as well—and beheld her mother and father, together with the whole circle of her companions, she worshiped the gods and honored the brāhmaṇas according to the best and proper rites.”
युदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
When safety and reunion are granted after hardship, one should respond with gratitude expressed through dharmic action—proper worship, honoring the worthy (especially brāhmaṇas), and acknowledging the auspicious order that sustains society.
After a period of separation and distress in the Nala–Damayantī story, Damayantī sees her relatives, parents, children, and companions safe. Overcome with relief, she performs formal worship of the gods and offers due honor to brāhmaṇas in accordance with correct ritual procedure.