Shloka 23
Damayantī’s Lament, Serpent-Seizure, Rescue by the Hunter, and the Curse
हयांस्तत्र विनिक्षिप्य सूतो रथवरं च तम् | इन्द्रसेनां च तां कन्यामिन्द्रसेनं च बालकम्,वहाँ पहुँचकर उसने घोड़ोंको, उस श्रेष्ठ रथ-को तथा उस बालिका इन्द्रसेनाको एवं राजकुमार इन्द्रसेनको वहीं रख दिया तथा राजा भीमसे विदा ले आर्तभावसे राजा नलकी दुर्दशाके लिये शोक करता हुआ घूमता-घामता अयोध्या नगरीमें चला गया
hayāṁs tatra vinikṣipya sūto rathavaraṁ ca tam | indrasenāṁ ca tāṁ kanyām indrasenaṁ ca bālakam ||
Having reached that place, the charioteer left there the horses, that excellent chariot, the maiden Indrasenā, and the young boy Indrasena. Then, taking leave of King Bhīmasena, he wandered on—grieving with deep anguish over King Nala’s misfortune—and proceeded to the city of Ayodhyā. The episode underscores responsible guardianship and loyal service: even amid sorrow, one ensures the safety of dependents and fulfills one’s duty before departing.
बृहृदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in grief and crisis, one should act according to dharma: secure the welfare of those entrusted to one’s care, complete one’s responsibilities, and proceed without abandoning dependents.
The charioteer arrives at a destination, leaves the horses, the fine chariot, and the two children (Indrasenā and Indrasena) there, takes leave of King Bhīmasena, and then—lamenting King Nala’s plight—travels onward to Ayodhyā.