Shloka 27
सान्त्वितो नैषधेनैवं पुष्कर: प्रत्युवाच तम् पुण्यश्लोकं तदा राजन्नभिवाद्य कृताउ्जलि:,राजन्! निषधराजके इस प्रकार सान्त्वना देनेपर पुष्करने पुण्यश्लोक नलको हाथ जोड़कर प्रणाम किया और इस प्रकार कहा--'पृथ्वीनाथ! आप जो मुझे प्राण और निवासस्थान भी वापस दे रहे हैं, इससे आपकी अक्षय कीर्ति बनी रहे। आप सौ वर्षोंतक जीयें और सुखी रहें"
sāntvito naiṣadhenaivaṁ puṣkaraḥ pratyuvāca tam | puṇyaślokam tadā rājan abhivādya kṛtāñjaliḥ ||
When the king of Niṣadha (Nala) had thus consoled him, Puṣkara replied. Bowing to the illustrious Nala with folded hands, he spoke respectfully: “O lord of the earth, since you are restoring to me even my life and my dwelling, may your fame be imperishable. May you live a hundred years and remain happy.”
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Noble conduct in victory: the righteous king responds with compassion and restoration rather than vengeance, and the humbled opponent answers with gratitude and blessings—showing that true kīrti (lasting fame) arises from restraint, forgiveness, and dharmic kingship.
After Nala consoles Puṣkara and restores what was taken (life and residence), Puṣkara respectfully salutes Nala with folded hands and offers a blessing for Nala’s imperishable fame, long life, and happiness.