Shloka 22
त॑ संकल्पं विदित्वाग्नेर्ज्ञात्वा पुत्रांक्ष बालकान् । सोभितुष्टाव विप्रर्षिब्राह्माणो जातवेदसम्
taṁ saṅkalpaṁ viditvāgner jñātvā putrāṁś ca bālakān | so 'bhituṣṭāva viprarṣir brāhmaṇo jātavedasam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having understood Agni’s intention, and recognizing the children as his own sons, the brahmin—himself a sage among priests—was filled with satisfaction and offered praise to Jātavedas (Agni). The passage underscores discernment and reverent gratitude: once the divine purpose is grasped and the welfare of the innocent is secured, the proper response is thanksgiving rather than suspicion or fear.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When a higher purpose (saṅkalpa) becomes clear—especially one aimed at protection and rightful welfare—one should respond with gratitude and reverence rather than doubt. Recognizing beneficence and honoring it is presented as a dharmic reaction.
The speaker narrates that a brahmin-sage understands Agni’s intention and realizes the children are Agni’s sons; pleased, he praises Agni under the epithet Jātavedas.