Shloka 23
बभ्रुवाहन-धनंजययोः संग्रामः
Babhruvāhana and Dhanaṃjaya’s engagement at Maṇipūra
दुःशला बालमादाय नप्तारं प्रययौ तदा । सुरथस्य सुतं वीर॑ रथेनाथागमत् तदा
Vaiśampāyana uvāca |
Duḥśalā bālam ādāya naptāraṃ prayayau tadā |
Surathasya sutaṃ vīra rathenāthāgamat tadā ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Entonces Duḥśalā partió, llevando consigo al niño —su nieto—. Y luego llegó allí, en un carro, el heroico hijo de Suratha. El pasaje subraya el deber familiar y el cuidado protector: la mujer de la estirpe Kuru actúa con decisión para salvaguardar y escoltar a la nueva generación, mientras un aliado kṣatriya se aproxima, listo para prestar ayuda.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as familial responsibility: safeguarding and guiding the vulnerable (a child/heir) is a moral imperative, and timely support from capable allies (a heroic charioteer/warrior figure) reinforces social order and protection of lineage.
Duḥśalā departs while carrying her grandson (the child). At the same time, the son of Suratha—described as heroic—arrives in a chariot, suggesting an encounter or assistance connected with Duḥśalā’s movement and the child’s protection.