Shloka 37
हुत्वा सम्यक् समिद्धाग्निमर्चयित्वा द्विजन्मन: । राज्यं बल च कोशं च सर्वमात्मानमेव च,विवाहकालमें विराटने प्रज्वलित अग्निमें विधिवत् होम कराकर ब्राह्मणोंका पूजन करनेके पश्चात् दहेजमें वरपक्षको वायुके समान वेगवान् सात हजार घोड़े, दो सौ बड़े-बड़े हाथी तथा और भी बहुत-सा धन भेंट किया। साथ ही राजपाट, सेना और खजानेसहित सब कुछ एवं अपने-आपको भी उनकी सेवामें समर्पित कर दिया
hutvā samyak samiddhāgnim arcayitvā dvijanmanāḥ | rājyaṃ balaṃ ca kośaṃ ca sarvam ātmānam eva ca ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having duly offered oblations into the well-kindled sacred fire and having honored the twice-born Brahmins, Virāṭa then bestowed upon the bridegroom’s party abundant gifts—horses swift as the wind, great elephants, and much wealth besides. Beyond material generosity, he went further in humility and alliance: he placed at their disposal his kingdom, his forces, his treasury, and even his own person, as an act of devoted service and binding kinship through marriage.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic kingship expressed through ritual propriety (homa and honoring Brahmins) and through dāna (generous gifting). It also presents an ethical ideal of alliance and loyalty: true commitment is shown not only by wealth but by readiness to place one’s power and resources in service of a righteous relationship.
After performing the marriage-related rites—oblations in the sacred fire and honoring Brahmins—King Virāṭa gives lavish gifts (notably horses and elephants) and, in a gesture of complete support, offers his kingdom, army, treasury, and personal service to the allied party formed through the marriage.