Shloka 11
ततः परीक्षामश्चानां चक्रे राजन् स बाहुक: । अश्वशालामुपागम्य भाज़सुरिनृपाज्ञया,युधिष्ठिर! तदनन्तर बाहुकने अश्वशालामें जाकर राजा ऋतुपर्णकी आज्ञासे अश्वोंकी परीक्षा की
tataḥ parīkṣām aśvānāṁ cakre rājan sa bāhukaḥ | aśvaśālām upāgamya bhājasurir nṛpājñayā, yudhiṣṭhira | tad-anantaraṁ bāhukena aśvaśālāṁ gatvā rājā ṛtupārṇasya ājñayā aśvānāṁ parīkṣā kṛtā |
Then, O king, Bāhuka proceeded to examine the horses. Going to the royal stables, he inspected them in obedience to the command of King Ṛtupārṇa—thus, Yudhiṣṭhira, he carried out his duty promptly and without display, showing the discipline of service and the ethics of faithful execution of one’s appointed work.
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in the form of disciplined service: even in a reduced or concealed station, one should perform assigned duties carefully and faithfully, without ego, as obedience and competence are ethical virtues.
Bāhuka, acting under King Ṛtupārṇa’s authority, goes to the royal stables and inspects the horses—an episode within the account narrated to Yudhiṣṭhira, showing Bāhuka’s role and skill in service.