Shloka 70
Droṇa’s Ācārya-Dakṣiṇā: Capture of Drupada and Division of Pāñcāla (द्रोण-आचार्यदक्षिणा)
ततो भीमस्तदा नागै: कृतस्वस्त्ययन: शुचि: । प्राड्मुखश्नोपविष्टश्न॒ रसं पिबति पाण्डव:,तब नागोंने भीमसेनके लिये स्वस्तिवाचन किया। फिर वे पाण्डुकुमार पवित्र हो पूर्वाभिमुख बैठकर कुण्डका रस पीने लगे
tato bhīmastadā nāgaiḥ kṛtasvastyayanaḥ śuciḥ | prāṅmukhaḥ upaviṣṭaḥ rasaṃ pibati pāṇḍavaḥ ||
Lalu para Nāga melantunkan berkat-berkat suci bagi Bhīma. Setelah menjadi bersih secara ritual, sang Pāṇḍava duduk menghadap timur dan mulai meminum sari dari kolam itu.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that powerful acts—especially involving potent substances—are to be approached with ritual propriety: blessings (svastyayana), purification (śuci), and correct orientation (facing east) signal disciplined conduct and respect for sacred procedure.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Nāgas perform an auspicious benediction for Bhīma; once purified, Bhīma sits facing east and drinks the ‘rasa’ (a special juice/essence), indicating a protected, ceremonially framed moment in the episode.