Shloka 28
दमयन्त्याः व्याकुलता — स्वयंवरसंनिपातः — देवदूतयाचनम्
Damayantī’s Distress, Proclamation of the Svayaṃvara, and the Gods’ Request
रामेण सह कौरव्य भीमार्जुनयमैस्तथा । अक्रूरगदसाम्बैश्व प्रद्युम्नेनाहुकेन च
rāmeṇa saha kauravya bhīmārjunayamais tathā | akrūragadasāmbaiś ca pradyumnenāhukenā ca
Sañjaya said: Along with Rāma, O scion of the Kuru line, there were also Bhīma, Arjuna, and Yama; and likewise Akrūra, Gada, Sāmba, Pradyumna, and Ahuka. The verse functions as a roll-call of eminent allies and elders, underscoring the moral weight of the gathering: when such renowned figures are present, counsel and action are expected to align with dharma and restraint rather than impulse.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
By listing revered warriors and elders, the verse highlights that decisions made in such an assembly carry heightened ethical responsibility; the presence of dharma-aware figures implies that power should be guided by restraint, right counsel, and accountability.
Sañjaya enumerates notable persons present—Rāma and leading Pāṇḍava and Yādava figures—serving as a narrative marker of who has gathered or is aligned in the situation being described.