Shloka 2
उपोपविष्टा विद्वांस: सहिता: संशितव्रता: । ये तद्भक्ता वसन्ति सम वनवासे तपस्विन:,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! धर्मराजकी अनुमति पाकर सत्यपराक्रमी पाण्डव तेरहवें वर्षमें छिपकर अज्ञातवास करनेकी इच्छासे एकत्र हो विचार-विमर्शके लिये आस-पास बैठे। वे सब-के-सब उत्तम व्रतका पालन करनेवाले और विद्वान थे। वनवासके समय जो तपस्वी ब्राह्मण पाण्डवोंके प्रति स्नेह होनेके कारण उनके साथ रहते थे, उनसे अज्ञातवासके हेतु आज्ञा लेनेके लिये व्रतधारी महात्मा पाण्डव हाथ जोड़कर खड़े हो इस प्रकार बोले---
upopaviṣṭā vidvāṃsaḥ sahitāḥ saṃśitavratāḥ | ye tadbhaktā vasanti sama vanavāse tapasvinaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The learned men, united and steadfast in their well-honed vows, sat down nearby together. Those ascetics who, out of devotion to them, dwelt with them during the time of exile in the forest were also present. The scene underscores a disciplined community gathered around the Pāṇḍavas—where learning, austerity, and loyal companionship support right counsel at a morally demanding turning point.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that decisive moments should be approached in the company of the wise and the disciplined: learning (vidyā), austerity (tapas), and steadfast vows (vrata) create moral clarity, while devotion and loyal companionship sustain those undergoing hardship.
A group of learned, vow-observant ascetics—devoted to the Pāṇḍavas—are seated together with them during the forest exile. The gathering frames a consultative setting, preparing for counsel and decisions connected with the next phase of their ordeal.