Shloka 29
Akṣa-hṛdaya-dāna and Phalāśruti of the Nalopākhyāna (अक्षहृदयदानम् / नलोपाख्यान-फलश्रुतिः)
स तथा सत्कृतो राज्ञा मासमुष्य तदा नृप । प्रययौ पुष्करो हृष्ट:स्वपुरं स्वजनावृत:,नरश्रेष्ठ युधिष्ठिर! राजा नलके द्वारा इस प्रकार सत्कार पाकर पुष्कर एक मासतक वहाँ टिका रहा और फिर आत्मीय जनोंके साथ प्रसन्नतापूर्वक अपनी राजधानीको चला गया। उसके साथ विशाल सेना और विनयशील सेवक भी थे। वह शरीरसे सूर्यकी भाँति प्रकाशित हो रहा था
sa tathā satkṛto rājñā māsam uṣya tadā nṛpa | prayayau puṣkaro hṛṣṭaḥ svapuraṃ svajanāvṛtaḥ ||
Thus honored by the king, O ruler, Puṣkara stayed there for a month. Then, delighted and surrounded by his own people, he departed for his own city. The episode underscores the king’s duty to extend due hospitality and respect even amid strained relations, and it shows how honor received can restore composure and order after conflict.
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadharma: a king should offer proper respect and hospitality (satkāra) even in tense circumstances. Such dignified conduct helps stabilize relationships and preserves social order.
Bṛhadaśva tells Yudhiṣṭhira that Puṣkara, after being honored by King Nala, stayed for a month and then happily left with his own people to return to his capital.