Shloka 51
नलस्य बाहुकत्वेन ऋतुपर्णनगरप्रवेशः
Nala as Bāhuka enters Ṛtuparṇa’s city
यष्टा दाता च योद्धा च सम्यक् चैव प्रशासिता । तस्य मामबलां श्रेष्ठां विद्धि भायामिहागताम्,“वे एक अच्छे यज्ञकर्ता, उत्तम दाता, शूरवीर योद्धा और श्रेष्ठ शासक हैं, आप मुझे उन्हींकी श्रेष्ठ पत्नी समझ लीजिये। मैं अबला नारी आपके निकट यहाँ उन्हींकी कुशल पूछनेके लिये आयी हूँ। गिरिराज! (मेरे स्वामी मुझे छोड़कर कहीं चले गये हैं।) मैं धन- सम्पत्तिसे वंचित, पतिदेवसे रहित, अनाथ और संकटोंकी मारी हुई हूँ। इस वनमें अपने पतिकी ही खोज कर रही हूँ
bṛhadaśva uvāca | yaṣṭā dātā ca yoddhā ca samyak caiva praśāsitā | tasya mām abalāṃ śreṣṭhāṃ viddhi bhāryām ihāgatām ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “He is a true performer of sacrifices, a generous giver, a valiant warrior, and a righteous ruler. Know me to be his noble wife, a helpless woman who has come here. I have arrived to inquire after his welfare.”
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents a dharmic portrait of ideal rulership: ritual responsibility (yaṣṭā), generosity (dātā), courage in protection (yoddhā), and just governance (praśāsitā). It also highlights the ethical bond of marriage and the vulnerability of one who seeks a rightful protector when separated from her husband.
Bṛhadaśva, narrating a story, quotes a woman identifying herself as the noble wife of a king renowned for sacrifice, charity, valor, and good rule. She has come to inquire about her husband’s welfare, presenting herself as vulnerable and seeking information and protection.