Shloka 17
Ghaṭotkaca’s Conveyance to Badarī and Entry into the Nara-Nārāyaṇa Āśrama (घटोत्कच-वाहनम्; नरनारायणाश्रम-प्रवेशः)
पठ्यमानेषु मन्त्रेषु शान्त्यर्थ परमर्षिभि: । स्पृश्यमाना करै: शीतैः: पाण्डवैश्व मुहुर्मुहु:,महर्षियोंद्वारा शान्तिके लिये मन्त्रपाठ होते समय पाण्डवोंने अपने शीतल हाथोंसे बार- बार द्रौपदीके अंगोंको सहलाया
paṭhyamāneṣu mantreṣu śāntyarthaṁ paramarṣibhiḥ | spṛśyamānā karaiḥ śītaiḥ pāṇḍavaiś ca muhur muhuḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: While the great seers were reciting mantras intended to bring peace and restoration, the Pāṇḍavas again and again touched her with their cool hands—gently soothing her body as part of the effort to calm distress and re-establish well-being. The scene underscores compassionate care alongside ritual means, presenting consolation as both a sacred and ethical duty.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Peace is pursued through both sacred means (śānti-mantras recited by sages) and humane action (the Pāṇḍavas’ repeated, gentle soothing). The verse highlights dharma as compassionate responsibility, not ritual alone.
As great sages recite pacificatory mantras for relief and calm, the Pāṇḍavas repeatedly touch and soothe the afflicted person with their cool hands, reinforcing the calming, healing intent of the rite.