Shloka 70
Droṇa’s Ācārya-Dakṣiṇā: Capture of Drupada and Division of Pāñcāla (द्रोण-आचार्यदक्षिणा)
ततो भीमस्तदा नागै: कृतस्वस्त्ययन: शुचि: । प्राड्मुखश्नोपविष्टश्न॒ रसं पिबति पाण्डव:,तब नागोंने भीमसेनके लिये स्वस्तिवाचन किया। फिर वे पाण्डुकुमार पवित्र हो पूर्वाभिमुख बैठकर कुण्डका रस पीने लगे
tato bhīmastadā nāgaiḥ kṛtasvastyayanaḥ śuciḥ | prāṅmukhaḥ upaviṣṭaḥ rasaṃ pibati pāṇḍavaḥ ||
Kemudian Bhīma, setelah para Nāga melafazkan doa restu yang membawa tuah baginya, menjadi suci menurut upacara. Menghadap ke timur dan duduk, sang Pāṇḍava pun mula meminum sari dari kolam itu.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that powerful acts—especially involving potent substances—are to be approached with ritual propriety: blessings (svastyayana), purification (śuci), and correct orientation (facing east) signal disciplined conduct and respect for sacred procedure.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Nāgas perform an auspicious benediction for Bhīma; once purified, Bhīma sits facing east and drinks the ‘rasa’ (a special juice/essence), indicating a protected, ceremonially framed moment in the episode.