Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 19
Yayāti, Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the Exchange of Youth: The Unsatisfied Nature of Desire
दत्त्वा स्वमुत्तरं वासस्तस्यै राजा विवाससे । गृहीत्वा पाणिना पाणिमुज्जहार दयापर: ॥ १९ ॥
dattvā svam uttaraṁ vāsas tasyai rājā vivāsase gṛhītvā pāṇinā pāṇim ujjahāra dayā-paraḥ
Melihat Devayānī tanpa pakaian di dalam perigi, raja segera memberikan kain atasnya kepadanya. Dengan belas kasihan, baginda memegang tangannya lalu mengangkatnya keluar.
FAQs
It shows that true dharma expresses itself as practical compassion—Vivāsavān not only feels mercy but acts by clothing and helping the woman stand, modeling protective kindness.
Because he was dayā-paraḥ (deeply compassionate); the narrative highlights the king’s duty to protect and assist someone in distress with immediate, respectful action.
Respond to others’ vulnerability with tangible help—offer support, dignity, and protection rather than indifference, especially when you have the ability or responsibility to assist.