Shloka 27
Puṣkara-Tīrtha-Māhātmya and the Phala of Pilgrimage
Nārada–Yudhiṣṭhira; Pulastya–Bhīṣma Transmission
सहदेव उवाच यो धनानि च कन्याश्च युधि जित्वा महारथ: । आजहार पुरा राज्ञे राजसूये महाक्रतौ,सहदेवने कहा--जिन महारथी वीरने पहले राजसूय महायज्ञके अवसरपर युद्धमें जीतकर बहुत धन और कन्याएँ महाराज युधिष्ठिरको भेंट की थीं, जिन अनन्त तेजस्वी धनंजयने भगवान् श्रीकृष्णकी सम्मतिसे युद्धके लिये एकत्र हुए समस्त यादवोंको अकेले ही जीतकर सुभद्राका हरण कर लिया था
sahadeva uvāca yo dhanāni ca kanyāś ca yudhi jitvā mahārathaḥ | ājahāra purā rājñe rājasūye mahākratau ||
Sahadeva said: “That great chariot-warrior who, in battle, won wealth and maidens and formerly brought them as tribute to the king at the grand Rājasūya sacrifice—of him I speak.”
सहदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Martial success is ethically framed as dharmic when it is offered in service of rightful kingship and the sacrificial order—victory and spoils become legitimate when dedicated to a higher duty rather than private desire.
Sahadeva identifies and praises a renowned warrior by recalling an earlier episode: during Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya, the warrior conquered in battle and brought wealth and maidens as tribute to the king, highlighting his proven capability and loyalty.