Shloka 13
त्रयोदशं च सजने अज्ञाता: परिवत्सरम् | ज्ञाताश्न पुनरन्यानि वने वर्षाणि द्वादश,“आपको भी तेरहवाँ वर्ष जनसमूहमें लोगोंसे अज्ञात रहकर व्यतीत करना पड़ेगा और यदि ज्ञात हो गये तो फिर दुबारा बारह वर्ष वनमें रहना होगा
trayodaśaṁ ca sajane ajñātāḥ parivatsaram | jñātāś ca punar anyāni vane varṣāṇi dvādaśa ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “And you must also spend the thirteenth year living among people without being recognized. If, however, you are discovered, then you must again undergo another twelve years in the forest.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical seriousness of a pledged condition: a vow has clear terms and consequences, and dharma requires accepting those consequences if the terms are breached (here, being recognized during the incognito year triggers a renewed forest exile).
A rule of exile is being stated: after twelve years in the forest, a thirteenth year must be spent living incognito among people; if the exiles are identified during that year, they must repeat twelve more years in the forest.