Shloka 16
दमयन्त्याः व्याकुलता — स्वयंवरसंनिपातः — देवदूतयाचनम्
Damayantī’s Distress, Proclamation of the Svayaṃvara, and the Gods’ Request
श्र॒त्वा हि निर्जितान् द्यूते पाण्डवान् मधुसूदन: । त्वरित: काम्यके पार्थान्ू समभावयदच्युत:,भगवान् मधुसूदनने ज्यों ही सुना कि पाण्डव द्यूतमें पराजित हो गये, त्यों ही वे काम्यकवनमें पहुँचकर कुन्तीपुत्रोंसे मिले और उन्हें आश्वासन दिया
śrutvā hi nirjitān dyūte pāṇḍavān madhusūdanaḥ | tvaritaḥ kāmyake pārthān samabhāvayad acyutaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: When Madhusūdana heard that the Pāṇḍavas had been defeated in the game of dice, the Lord Acyuta hastened to the Kāmyaka forest, met the sons of Pṛthā, and reassured them—affirming steadfast support amid injustice and exile.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when dharma is outwardly defeated—such as through deceitful gambling—steadfast allies and righteous counsel sustain moral resolve. Kṛṣṇa’s swift reassurance models compassionate support and the duty to uphold the wronged without abandoning hope or restraint.
After hearing that the Pāṇḍavas lost in the dice-game and were driven into hardship, Kṛṣṇa (Madhusūdana/Acyuta) quickly goes to the Kāmyaka forest, meets them, and consoles them—signaling continued alliance and guidance during their exile.