Shloka 5
ऋषिसमागमः — युधिष्ठिरस्य शोकवर्णनम्
Sage Assembly and Yudhiṣṭhira’s Articulation of Grief
अन्ये च वेदविद्वांस: कृतप्रज्ञा द्विजातय: । गृहस्था: सनातका: सन््तो ददृश: कुरुसत्तमम्
anye ca vedavidvāṁsaḥ kṛtaprajñā dvijātayaḥ | gṛhasthāḥ sanātakāḥ santaḥ dadṛśuḥ kurusattamam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Besides those already mentioned, many learned knowers of the Vedas—clear-minded twice-born men—householders and formally graduated, virtuous elders as well, came there and met the best of the Kurus.” The scene underscores that, after the devastation of war, the community of dharma—represented by disciplined, learned, and ethically grounded Brahmins—gathers around the rightful king, affirming social and moral order through counsel and presence.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical role of learned and disciplined elders—Veda-knowers, householders, and sanātakas—in stabilizing society after crisis. Their gathering around the king implies that righteous governance is strengthened by counsel rooted in learning, self-control, and dharma.
In the opening movement of Śānti Parva, many respected Brahmins and virtuous elders arrive and meet the ‘best of the Kurus’ (Yudhiṣṭhira). Their presence sets the stage for instruction and deliberation on dharma, kingship, and peace following the war.