Shloka 25
Adhyāya 129 — Public Acclaim of the Pāṇḍavas and Duryodhana’s Appeal to Dhṛtarāṣṭra
ओषधीभिरवविषध्नीभि: सुरभीभिर्विशेषत: । भुक्तवान् परमान्नं च नागैर्दत्त महाबल:,तब महाबाहु भीमसेन स्नान करके शुद्ध हो गये। उन्होंने श्वेत वस्त्र और श्वेत पुष्पोंकी माला धारण की। तत्पश्चात् नागराजके भवनमें उनके लिये कौतुक एवं मंगलाचार सम्पन्न किये गये। फिर उन महाबली भीमने विष-नाशक सुगन्धित ओषधियोंके साथ नागोंकी दी हुई खीर खायी
oṣadhībhir avaviṣadhnībhiḥ surabhībhir viśeṣataḥ | bhuktavān paramānnaṃ ca nāgair dattaṃ mahābalaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Endowed with great strength, Bhīma ate the finest food—given by the Nāgas—together with especially fragrant herbs that counteract poison. The episode underscores a careful, ritually mindful restoration after danger: purification, auspicious rites, and the prudent use of antidotal remedies before accepting nourishment.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even extraordinary strength should be guided by discernment: after peril (poison), one restores balance through purification, auspicious conduct, and appropriate remedies before enjoyment—linking bodily care with dharmic mindfulness.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Bhīma, hosted by the Nāgas, eats a superb meal they provide, accompanied by specially fragrant antidotal herbs—framing his safe recovery and honored reception in the Nāga realm.