It is said that to protect those who are afflicted brings merit surpassing even that of the greatest sacrifices; especially when one rescues the fearful and destitute, the reward is considered supreme. In this spirit, a compassionate sage spoke to Queen Manoramā, saying, “Remain here without fear, O auspicious lady, and care for your son, O virtuous one. O wide-eyed queen, you have nothing to fear from enemies while you dwell here.” He assured her further, “Tend lovingly to your beloved son; he is destined to become king. Here, no sorrow or suffering will ever touch you.” Consoled by the sage’s words, Manoramā regained her composure. She took up residence in the hermitage the sage had provided, and there, free from grief, she lived in peace. Surrounded by her loyal maidservants and the faithful Vidalla, Manoramā devoted herself to caring for her young son, Sudarśana. Meanwhile, events were unfolding in Ayodhyā. Yudhājit, mighty in battle, returned from the war and began to inquire about Manoramā, intent on finding her and killing Sudarśana. He sent his servants out repeatedly, seeking information about their whereabouts. Then, choosing an auspicious day, Yudhājit seated his own grandson upon the throne. With the ministers and the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha present, and with the recitation of sacred Atharvan mantras, the new king was consecrated. The city of Ayodhyā erupted in celebration—the air filled with the sounds of drums, conches, and jubilant music. Priests chanted the Vedas, bards sang praises, and the city resounded with shouts of victory and auspicious cries. The people rejoiced, their hearts filled with prosperity and joy, as Ayodhyā seemed to be renewed with the enthronement of the new king. Yet, within their homes, some righteous and thoughtful people grieved. They wondered aloud, “Where has Sudarśana, the prince, gone today?” and “Where is the supremely virtuous Manoramā, who has vanished with her son? Her father was slain in battle by an enemy greedy for the kingdom.” These noble souls, even-minded and sorrowful, remained under the rule of Shatrujit, their hearts heavy with concern for the exiled queen and prince. Having installed his grandson and entrusted the kingdom to his ministers, Yudhājit departed for his own city. But upon hearing that Sudarśana was residing in the hermitage of the sages, Yudhājit quickly set out for Mount Chitrakūṭa, intent on killing the boy. He placed the valiant king of the Niṣādas at the head of his army and hastened toward Durdarśa, lord of Śṛṅgaverapura. When Manoramā learned of Yudhājit’s approach, her heart was seized with fear for her young son. Overwhelmed by grief and with tears streaming from her eyes, she turned to the sage and cried, “What shall I do? Where can I go now that Yudhājit has arrived? He slew my father and has made his grandson king, and now he comes here with his forces, intent on killing my son.” Seeking guidance, Manoramā recalled, “O master, I remember hearing that the Pāṇḍavas, together with Pāñcālī, once stayed in a hermitage during their exile in the forest. The five brothers, sons of Pāṇḍu, had gone hunting, while Draupadī remained in the sages’ hermitage. There, great sages such as Dhaumya, Atri, Gālava, Paila, Jāvāli, Gautama, Bhṛgu, Cyavana, the descendant of Ātri, Kaṇva, Jatu, and Kratu resided. Others, too, were present: Vītihotra, Sumantu, Yajñadatta, Vatsala, Rāśāsana, Kahoḍa, Yavakrī, Yajñakṛt, and Kratu—all auspicious sages, beginning with Bhāradvāja, well-versed in the Vedas.” She continued, “There, Yājñasenī Draupadī, beautiful in every limb, dwelt in the hermitage with her maidservants, fearless among the sages. Meanwhile, the five heroic Pāṇḍavas, armed with bows and arrows, moved from forest to forest, hunting and vanquishing their foes.” “At that time, the illustrious lord of Sindhu, Jayadratha, accompanied by his army, arrived near the hermitage, drawn by the sound of sacred recitation. Hearing the Vedas chanted by the pure-minded sages, the king descended from his chariot, eager to meet them. Accompanied by two attendants, he entered the hermitage, where he saw the sages deeply engaged in Vedic recitation.” “With hands joined in reverence, Jayadratha stood before the presiding sage and entered the sacred precincts. The women and wives of the sages, curious to see the king, approached and asked, ‘Who is this?’ Among them came the beautiful Yajñasenī Draupadī, who shone with divine grace.” “Beholding her, dark-eyed and radiant, Jayadratha was struck by her beauty and asked Dhaumya, ‘Who is this dark-skinned, lovely-faced woman? Whose wife is she, whose daughter, and what is her name? She is of exquisite form, like Shachi among mortals. Standing in the grove, she shines like a clove creeper among rakshasi women, just as Rambhā does, O radiant one. Tell me truly, whose beloved is this youthful woman? She appears as a royal wife, not a sage’s spouse, O twice-born one.’” Dhaumya replied, “She is Draupadī, beloved wife of the Pāṇḍavas, blessed with auspicious marks, O king of Sindhu. This noble Pāñcālī resides here in the hermitage.” Jayadratha then inquired, “Where have the five renowned Pāṇḍavas gone? Do those mighty heroes dwell here in the forest, free from sorrow?” Dhaumya responded, “The five Pāṇḍavas have gone hunting in their chariots; they will return at midday, bringing game, O king.” Thus, the story unfolds—of virtue, peril, and the enduring protection of the righteous and afflicted.