Shloka 20
अश्रमवासिनां विषादः — Lament in Hastināpura after the Elders’ Forest Withdrawal
इमे च देवगन्धर्वा: सर्वे चेमे महर्षय:
ime ca devagandharvāḥ sarve ceme maharṣayaḥ
Vaiśampāyana said: “Here are the divine Gandharvas, and here too are all these great seers.” The narration underscores that the scene is being witnessed and sanctioned by exalted beings, suggesting a moral and cosmic gravity to the events unfolding.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that major life-events and moral transitions are not merely private; they stand before the gaze of higher witnesses (sages and celestial beings). This frames the narrative within dharma and cosmic accountability.
The speaker points out the presence of divine Gandharvas and great sages gathered at the scene, indicating an extraordinary, sanctified moment where celestial and ascetic beings observe what is taking place.