Shloka 13
एवमुक्त्वा तु तां कनन््यां कुन्तिभोजो महायशा: । पृथां परिददौ तस्मै द्विजाय द्विजवत्सल:,ब्राहणप्रेमी महायशस्वी राजा कुन्तिभोजने पुत्रीसे ऐसा कहकर उन आये हुए द्विजकी सेवामें पृथाको दे दिया
evam uktvā tu tāṁ kanyāṁ kuntibhojo mahāyaśāḥ | pṛthāṁ paridadau tasmai dvijāya dvijavatsalaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having spoken thus, the illustrious Kuntibhoja—ever affectionate toward Brahmins—formally entrusted the maiden Pṛthā to that Brahmin. The episode underscores the king’s reverence for learned guests and his sense of duty to honor and support them, even through significant personal sacrifice.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights royal dharma expressed as honoring and supporting Brahmins/learned guests (dvija-satkara). Kuntibhoja’s action exemplifies prioritizing duty and reverence for sacred learning over personal attachment.
After speaking to the maiden, King Kuntibhoja formally gives/entrusts Pṛthā (later known as Kuntī) to an arriving Brahmin, indicating a transfer of guardianship or service in keeping with the king’s devotion to Brahmins.