Shloka 22
Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances
ऋषच्विग्भिश्न सुहृद्धिश्व॒ तथान्यैरद्धिजसत्तमै: । रथैर्गजैस्तथाश्रैश्ष प्रेष्यैज्ञु भरतर्षभ
ṛṣacvigbhiś ca suhṛdbhiś ca tathānyair addhija-sattamaiḥ | rathair gajais tathāśvaiś ca preṣyaiś ca jñu bharatarṣabha ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O bull among the Bharatas, he was accompanied by seers and officiating priests (ṛtvij), by well-wishing friends, and by other eminent men of noble birth—along with chariots, elephants, horses, and attendants.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of a ruler/hero being supported by multiple pillars of society—spiritual authority (ṛṣis), ritual legitimacy (ṛtvijas), loyal friendship (suhṛds), and organized resources (vehicles, animals, attendants). It implies that power is ethically strengthened when aligned with counsel, rite, and responsible support.
Vaiśampāyana describes a prominent figure’s entourage: sages, priests, friends, other eminent men, and the practical apparatus of movement and status—chariots, elephants, horses, and attendants—indicating a formal departure, procession, or mobilization within the war-time setting of Śalya Parva.