Shloka 23
बभ्रुवाहन-धनंजययोः संग्रामः
Babhruvāhana and Dhanaṃjaya’s engagement at Maṇipūra
दुःशला बालमादाय नप्तारं प्रययौ तदा । सुरथस्य सुतं वीर॑ रथेनाथागमत् तदा
Vaiśampāyana uvāca |
Duḥśalā bālam ādāya naptāraṃ prayayau tadā |
Surathasya sutaṃ vīra rathenāthāgamat tadā ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Noon, umalis si Duḥśalā, karga ang bata—ang kanyang apo. At dumating din doon ang magiting na anak ni Suratha sakay ng karwahe. Ipinahihiwatig ng talatang ito ang tungkulin sa angkan at pag-aaruga: ang babae ng lahing Kuru ay kumilos nang matatag upang iligtas at ihatid ang susunod na salinlahi, habang ang isang kaalyadong kṣatriya ay lumalapit na handang tumulong.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as familial responsibility: safeguarding and guiding the vulnerable (a child/heir) is a moral imperative, and timely support from capable allies (a heroic charioteer/warrior figure) reinforces social order and protection of lineage.
Duḥśalā departs while carrying her grandson (the child). At the same time, the son of Suratha—described as heroic—arrives in a chariot, suggesting an encounter or assistance connected with Duḥśalā’s movement and the child’s protection.