Shloka 20
Damayantī’s Lament, Serpent-Seizure, Rescue by the Hunter, and the Curse
मम ज्ञातिषु निक्षिप्य दारकौ स्यन्दनं तथा । अश्वांश्वेमान् यथाकामं वस वान्यत्र गच्छ वा,“वहाँ इन दोनों बालकोंको, इस रथको और इन घोड़ोंको भी मेरे भाई-बन्धुओंकी देख- रेखमें सौंपकर तुम्हारी इच्छा हो तो वहीं रह जाना या अन्यत्र कहीं चले जाना”
mama jñātiṣu nikṣipya dārakau syandanaṃ tathā | aśvān imān yathākāmaṃ vasa vānyatra gaccha vā ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “Entrust these two children, this chariot, and these horses to the care of my kinsmen. Then, as you wish, either stay there or go elsewhere.” The statement frames a responsible handover of dependents and resources, emphasizing lawful guardianship and freedom of choice once proper protection has been arranged.
बृहृदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before exercising personal freedom (staying or leaving), one should first ensure the secure and rightful care of dependents and entrusted property—placing them under reliable guardianship. This reflects dharma as responsible stewardship.
Bṛhadaśva instructs someone to hand over two children along with a chariot and horses to his relatives for safekeeping, and then tells the person they may choose to remain there or depart elsewhere according to their इच्छा (preference).