Shloka 33
Cyavana’s Yogic Display and Kuśika’s Recognition of Tapas (च्यवन-योगप्रभावः कुशिकस्य तपःप्रशंसा च)
गाव: स्वर्गस्य सोपानं गाव: स्वर्गेडपि पूजिता: । गाव: कामदुहो देव्यो नान्यत् किंचित् परं स्मृतम्
gāvaḥ svargasya sopānaṃ gāvaḥ svarge ’pi pūjitāḥ | gāvaḥ kāmaduhō devyo nānyat kiñcit paraṃ smṛtam ||
Vyavana dit : «Les vaches sont les degrés mêmes qui mènent au ciel ; même au ciel elles sont honorées. Les vaches sont des êtres divins qui exaucent les vœux, accordant ce qui est désiré. Rien n’est tenu pour plus élevé qu’elles.»
व्यवन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates the cow as a supreme locus of dharma and merit: reverence and care for cows are portrayed as a direct means to spiritual uplift and heavenly attainment, with cows symbolizing generosity, nourishment, and sacred beneficence.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instructional discourse on dharma and meritorious conduct, Vyavana states a eulogy of cows, asserting their heavenly honor and their status as divine wish-fulfillers, to emphasize the religious and ethical value of protecting and venerating them.