Shloka 33
Akṣa-hṛdaya-dāna and Phalāśruti of the Nalopākhyāna (अक्षहृदयदानम् / नलोपाख्यान-फलश्रुतिः)
ऊचुः: प्राज्जलय: सर्वे सामात्यप्रमुखा जना: । अद्य सम निर्वता राजन् पुरे जनपदेडपि च । उपासितुं पुनः प्राप्ता देवा इव शतक्रतुम्,मन्त्री आदि सब लोगोंने हाथ जोड़कर कहा--'महाराज! आज हम नगर और जनपदके निवासी संतोषसे साँस ले सके हैं। जैसे देवता देवराज इन्द्रकी सेवामें उपस्थित होते हैं, उसी प्रकार अब हमें पुन: आपकी उपासना करने--आपके पास बैठनेका शुभ अवसर प्राप्त हुआ है”
ūcuḥ prāñjalayaḥ sarve sāmātya-pramukhā janāḥ | adya sma nirvṛtā rājan pure janapade 'pi ca | upāsituṁ punaḥ prāptā devā iva śatakratum ||
Bṛhadaśva said: With palms joined, all the people—led by the ministers and other chief officials—spoke: “O King, today we in the city and throughout the countryside can breathe freely in relief. Just as the gods attend upon Śatakratu (Indra), so have we once again obtained the auspicious opportunity to serve you and sit in your presence.”
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s dharma is to secure the realm so that subjects live without fear; when order is restored, the people respond with gratitude and respectful service, likened to the gods’ attendance on Indra.
The ministers and leading citizens, with folded hands, address the king and express collective relief across both city and countryside, saying they can again approach him to attend and sit near him in loyal service, as the gods do with Indra.