Shloka 5
Āścarya-kathana: Brāhmaṇa–Nāga Dialogue on Sūrya (Vivasvat) and the ‘Second Sun’ Phenomenon
सहोपनिषदान वेदान् ये विप्रा: सम्यगास्थिता: । पठन्ति विधिमास्थाय ये चापि यतिधर्मिण:
sahopaniṣadān vedān ye viprāḥ samyag āsthitāḥ | paṭhanti vidhim āsthāya ye cāpi yatidharmiṇaḥ ||
Janamejaya said: “Those brāhmaṇas who are firmly established in right conduct recite the Vedas together with the Upaniṣads, following the prescribed rule; and likewise those who live by the discipline of renunciation (yati-dharma)…”
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights two authoritative paths of dharma: disciplined Vedic learning (including Upaniṣadic wisdom) undertaken according to proper injunctions, and the rigorous ethical discipline of renunciants (yatis). Both are presented as legitimate, rule-governed ways of living in alignment with sacred law.
Janamejaya is speaking and referring to exemplary religious practitioners—learned brāhmaṇas who recite and study the Vedas with the Upaniṣads according to prescribed methods, and ascetics who follow yati-dharma—setting up a discussion about recognized forms of righteous conduct.