Shloka 8
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
वनराजीस्तु पश्येमा: पिप्पलानां मनोरमा: । लोध्राणां च शुभा: पार्थ गौतमौक: समीपजा:,पार्थ! गौतमके आश्रमके निकट लहलहाती हुई पीपल और लोधोंकी इन सुन्दर एवं मनोरम वन-पंक्तियोंको तो देखो
vanarājīs tu paśyemāḥ pippalānāṃ manoramāḥ | lodhrāṇāṃ ca śubhāḥ pārtha gautamaukaḥ samīpajāḥ ||
Vāyu said: “O Pārtha, look at these delightful forest-rows of pippala trees, and these auspicious lodhra trees as well—growing close to the hermitage-dwelling of Gautama.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the vicinity of a sage’s hermitage is portrayed as naturally auspicious and orderly. It reinforces the Mahābhārata’s ethic that dharmic living—especially ascetic discipline and sanctity—radiates harmony into the surrounding world, inviting reverence and mindful observation.
Vāyu addresses Pārtha and draws his attention to the beautiful lines of pippala and lodhra trees near the dwelling of the sage Gautama. The speaker is guiding the listener through a sacred landscape, using the forest’s features to mark proximity to an important āśrama setting.