Shloka 36
Sāvitrī’s Report and Nārada’s Prognosis (सावित्र्याख्यान—सत्यवान्-गुणवर्णनं तथा अल्पायुषः पूर्वसूचना)
कौसलयां च सुमित्रां च कैकेयीं च सुदु:ःखित: । अग्रे प्रस्थाप्य यानै: स शत्रुघ्नसहितो ययौ,वे कौसल्या, सुमित्रा तथा कैकेयीको सवारियोंद्वारा आगे भेजकर स्वयं अत्यन्त दुःखी हो शत्रुघ्नके साथ (पैदल ही) वनको चले
Kausalyāṃ ca Sumitrāṃ ca Kaikeyīṃ ca suduḥkhitaḥ | agre prasthāpya yānaiḥ sa Śatrughnasahito yayau ||
Dijo Mārkaṇḍeya: Afligido por un dolor profundo, envió primero a Kausalyā, Sumitrā y Kaikeyī por delante en carruajes; luego, acompañado de Śatrughna, él mismo prosiguió (a pie), cargando con el deber en medio del duelo.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as responsible care: even in personal anguish, one prioritizes the safety and dignity of dependents (sending the queens ahead) while oneself endures hardship, showing restraint, compassion, and duty over comfort.
Mārkaṇḍeya narrates that, in a moment of intense sorrow, the central figure dispatches Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and Kaikeyī ahead using conveyances, and then proceeds afterward together with Śatrughna, personally taking the more difficult course.