Shloka 1
Cyavana’s Yogic Display and Kuśika’s Recognition of Tapas (च्यवन-योगप्रभावः कुशिकस्य तपःप्रशंसा च)
इस प्रकार श्रीमह्याभारत अनुशासनपर्वके अन्तर्गत दानधर्मपर्वमें च्यवनमुनिका उपाख्यानविषयक पचासवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ ॥/ ५० ॥ एकपज्चाशत्तमो< ध्याय: राजा नहुषका एक गौके मोलपर च्यवन मुनिको खरीदना
Bhīṣma uvāca: Nahuṣas tu tataḥ śrutvā Cyavanaṁ taṁ tathāgatam | tvaritaḥ prayayau tatra sahāmātya-purohitaḥ ||
Bhishma said: O best of the Bharatas, when King Nahusha heard that the sage Cyavana had arrived nearby in such a condition, he hurried to that place, accompanied by his ministers and his royal priest. The scene sets a dharmic encounter: a ruler is expected to respond promptly and respectfully upon learning of a vulnerable ascetic’s presence, for the treatment of sages is a measure of a king’s righteousness.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma includes prompt, respectful attention to ascetics and sages—especially when they are vulnerable—because honoring spiritual authority and protecting the righteous sustains social and moral order.
Bhishma narrates that King Nahusha, on hearing that the sage Cyavana has arrived nearby in a particular condition, quickly goes to meet him, taking along his ministers and his priest—setting up the ensuing episode about cows, charity, and merit.