Shloka 2
Strī-satkāra (On honoring women) — Mahābhārata 13.46
देवशर्मोवाच कि ते विपुल दृष्टं वै तस्मिन् शिष्य महावने । ते त्वां जानन्ति विपुल आत्मा च रुचिरेव च
devadharma uvāca: kiṃ te vipula dṛṣṭaṃ vai tasmin śiṣya mahāvane? te tvāṃ jānanti, vipula; ātmā ca rucirā eva ca.
Devaśarmā said: “My dear disciple Vipula, what indeed did you see in that great forest? Those people already know you well, Vipula; they are acquainted with your inner character, and with Rucirā as well.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical accountability rooted in known character: one’s inner disposition (ātmā) and relationships are recognized by society, so conduct should align with dharma even when away from home (e.g., in the forest).
Devadharma addresses his disciple Vipula, asking what he witnessed in a great forest, while noting that the people there already know Vipula and are familiar with his inner nature and with Rucirā.