Shloka 21
Vāraṇāvata-praveśa and Jatugṛha-saṃdeha
Entry into Vāraṇāvata and Suspicion of the Lac-House
स यथासमयं चक्रे बलिं बलवतां वर: । ब्राह्माणांस्तु सुमन्त्रज्ञान् कारयामास मज़लम्,बलवानोंमें श्रेष्ठ द्रोणने यथासमय देवपूजा की और श्रेष्ठ मन्त्रवेत्ता ब्राह्मणोंसे मंगलपाठ करवाया
sa yathāsamayaṃ cakre baliṃ balavatāṃ varaḥ | brāhmaṇāṃs tu sumantrajñān kārayāmāsa maṅgalam ||
At the proper time, the foremost among the mighty offered the prescribed oblation (bali). He then had auspicious benedictions recited by Brahmins who were expert in excellent mantras—thus ensuring that the undertaking proceeded under the protection of right ritual order and sacred speech.
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic order through timely ritual action: offerings and auspicious mantra-recitation are performed at the proper time, emphasizing that power should be guided by sacred discipline, correct procedure, and respect for Brahminical learning.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra describes a powerful figure performing a scheduled ritual offering (bali) and arranging for expert Brahmins to recite auspicious mantras, marking the commencement or safeguarding of an important undertaking through formal worship and benediction.