Adhyāya 73: Damayantī’s Investigation of Bāhuka
Keśinī’s Observations
त॑ भीम: प्रतिजग्राह पूजया परया ततः । स तेन पूजितो राज्ञा ऋतुपर्णो नराधिप:,तदनन्तर भीमने बड़े आदर-सत्कारके साथ उन्हें अपनाया और राजा ऋतुपर्णका भलीभाँति आदर-सत्कार किया
taṁ bhīmaḥ pratijagrāha pūjayā parayā tataḥ | sa tena pūjito rājñā ṛtuparṇo narādhipaḥ ||
Então Bhīma o recebeu com a mais alta honra e hospitalidade. Assim honrado pelo rei, Ṛtuparṇa, governante dos homens, foi devidamente respeitado e acolhido—um gesto que sustenta a ética da recepção correta e da reverência ao hóspede e ao soberano.
बृहदश्चव उवाच
The verse highlights dharma expressed as proper hospitality and honor: receiving a guest—especially a king—with the highest respect is a mark of righteous conduct and social-ethical order.
In Bṛhadaśva’s narration, Bhīma formally welcomes and honors Ṛtuparṇa; Ṛtuparṇa, as a ruler, is shown being duly respected by the king, emphasizing courteous reception and mutual regard among nobles.