Shloka 1
शकुनि (हिरण्मय-पक्षी) उपदेशः — Vighasāśin and the Difficulty of Gārhasthya
अपन बक। ] अत्शका:<ह एकादशोब< ध्याय: अर्जुनका पक्षिरूपधारी इन्द्र और ऋषिबालकोंके संवादका उल्लेखपूर्वक गृहस्थ-धर्मके पालनपर जोर देना अजुन उवाच अनत्रैवोदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् | तापसै: सह संवाद शक्रस्य भरतर्षभ
Arjuna uvāca | anatraivodāharantīmam itihāsaṃ purātanam | tāpasaiḥ saha saṃvādaṃ śakrasya bharatarṣabha ||
Arjuna said: “O bull among the Bharatas, in this very matter the learned cite an ancient precedent: the old account of Indra (Śakra) and his dialogue with ascetics. It is recalled here as an instructive example for understanding and upholding dharma—especially the disciplined practice of householders’ duties.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Arjuna introduces an ancient illustrative precedent: Indra’s dialogue with ascetics. The verse frames the coming story as a dharma-teaching example, especially to clarify and reinforce proper conduct—highlighting the value of rightly performed householders’ duties within the broader moral order.
Arjuna addresses Yudhiṣṭhira (“Bharatarṣabha”) and signals that, to explain the present topic, tradition cites an old story. He announces that the account concerns a conversation between Śakra (Indra) and ascetics, which will be narrated as an instructive example.