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
Kausalyāṃ ca Sumitrāṃ ca Kaikeyīṃ ca suduḥkhitaḥ | agre prasthāpya yānaiḥ sa Śatrughnasahito yayau ||
Mārkaṇḍeya dit : Accablé d’une profonde douleur, il fit d’abord partir en avant Kausalyā, Sumitrā et Kaikeyī sur des chars; puis, accompagné de Śatrughna, il se mit lui-même en route (à pied), portant le poids du devoir au cœur du chagrin.
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.