Shloka 53
Babhruvāhana’s Lament and Appeal for Expiation (प्रायश्चित्त-याचना)
तमुत्थितं महात्मानं लब्धसंज्ञं मनस्विनम् । समीक्ष्य पितरं स्वस्थं ववन्दे बश्रुवाहन:,अपने मनस्वी पिता महात्मा अर्जुनको सचेत एवं स्वस्थ होकर उठा हुआ देख बभ्रुवाहनने उनके चरणोंमें प्रणाम किया
tam utthitaṁ mahātmānaṁ labdha-saṁjñaṁ manasvinam | samīkṣya pitaraṁ svasthaṁ vavande babhruvāhanaḥ ||
Vaiśaṁpāyana said: Seeing his high-souled, resolute father risen again—restored to consciousness and in sound health—Babhruvāhana bowed down in reverence at his feet. The moment underscores filial duty and humility: when life and honor are restored, the proper response is gratitude expressed through respectful submission to one’s elders.
वैशमग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in the form of filial reverence and humility: when an elder—especially one’s father—returns to health and awareness, the fitting ethical response is respectful obeisance and gratitude rather than pride or self-justification.
After Arjuna has risen again, conscious and well, Babhruvāhana sees his father restored and immediately bows down at his feet, signaling reconciliation, respect, and acceptance of paternal authority.