Shloka 28
Parṇāda’s Report; Bāhuka’s Counsel; Damayantī’s Strategic Svayaṃvara Message (अध्याय ६८)
अहं सुदेवो वैदर्भि भ्रातुस्ते दयित: सखा । भीमस्य वचनादू् राज्ञस्त्वामन्वेष्टमिहागत:,बृहदश्वच मुनि कहते हैं--युधिष्ठिर! इस प्रकार भाँति-भाँतिके कारणों और लक्षणोंसे दमयन्तीको पहचानकर और अपने कर्तव्यके विषयमें विचार करके सुदेव ब्राह्मण उसके समीप गये और इस प्रकार बोले--'विदर्भराजकुमारी! मैं तुम्हारे भाईका प्रिय सखा सुदेव हूँ। महाराज भीमकी आज्ञासे तुम्हारी खोज करनेके लिये यहाँ आया हूँ
ahaṁ sudevo vaidarbhi bhrātus te dayitaḥ sakhā | bhīmasya vacanād rā́jñas tvām anveṣṭum ihāgataḥ ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “O princess of Vidarbha, I am Sudeva, the beloved friend of your brother. By the command of King Bhīma, I have come here to search for you.”
बृहदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as faithful execution of entrusted duty: Sudeva identifies himself truthfully and acts as a responsible messenger, showing loyalty to relationships and compassion in responding to a family’s distress.
In the Damayantī episode (Nalopākhyāna), Sudeva—sent by King Bhīma—approaches Damayantī after recognizing her and introduces himself as her brother’s close friend, stating that he has come to find her.