Shloka 32
Ādi-parva, Adhyāya 73: Devayānī–Śarmiṣṭhā Dispute, Confinement in the Well, and Yayāti’s Rescue
शकुन्तलोवाच मया पतिर्वतो राजा दुष्यन्त: पुरुषोत्तम: | तस्मै ससचिवाय त्वं प्रसादं कर्तुमहसि,शकुन्तलाने कहा--भगवन! मैंने पुरुषोंमें श्रेष्ठ राजा दुष्यन्तका पतिरूपमें वरण किया है। अतः मन्त्रियोंसहित उन नरेशपर आपको कृपा करनी चाहिये
Śakuntalovāca—mayā pativratā rājā Duṣyantaḥ puruṣottamaḥ | tasmai sa-sacivāya tvaṁ prasādaṁ kartum arhasi ||
Śakuntalā said: “I, devoted to my husband, have chosen King Duṣyanta—best among men—as my lawful spouse. Therefore, you ought to show favor to that king, together with his ministers.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds pativratā-dharma (steadfast marital fidelity) and the ethical appeal for prasāda—benevolent acceptance—toward a rightful spouse, emphasizing reconciliation and compassionate judgment in social and royal contexts.
Śakuntalā speaks in defense of her marital choice, affirming that she has accepted King Duṣyanta as her husband and urging the addressed authority to extend favor to the king along with his ministers.