Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 71
Puṣkara-Śapatha Itihāsa (Agastya–Indra Dispute at the Tīrthas) | पुष्कर-शपथ-आख्यानम्
कदाचिद् विचरन्तस्ते वृक्षैरविरलैवृताम् । शुचिवारिप्रसन्नोदां ददृशु: पद्मिनीं शुभाम्
kadācid vicarantas te vṛkṣair aviralair vṛtām | śucivāriprasannodāṁ dadṛśuḥ padminīṁ śubhām ||
एक दिन विचरते-विचरते उन्होंने एक शुभ पद्मिनी (कमल-सरोवर) देखी, जो सघन वृक्षों से घिरी थी। उसका जल अत्यन्त स्वच्छ, पवित्र और शांत था।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds purity and auspicious surroundings—clear water and a serene lotus-pond—often used in the Mahabharata as a narrative cue that a morally significant encounter or instruction is imminent; the setting itself reflects dharmic order (śauca, inner and outer cleanliness) and receptivity.
While wandering, the sages come upon a beautiful lotus-pond surrounded by dense trees, with pure and tranquil water; this discovery functions as a scene-setting transition before the next event or discourse.