Shloka 6
Uttaṅka’s Petition for Madayantī’s Divine Earrings (Maṇikuṇḍala) — Agreement, Proof, and Vigilance
अथ शिष्यसहस्राणि समनुज्ञातवानृषि: । उत्तड़क॑ परया प्रीत्या नाभ्यनुज्ञातुमैच्छत । त॑ क्रमेण जरा तात प्रतिपेदे महामुनिम्
atha śiṣya-sahasrāṇi samanujñātavān ṛṣiḥ | uttaṅkaṃ parayā prītyā nābhyanujñātum aicchat | taṃ krameṇa jarā tāta pratipede mahāmunim ||
वैशम्पायन बोले—उस ऋषि ने अपने सहस्रों शिष्यों को विधिवत् विदा कर दिया; परंतु अत्यधिक प्रेम के कारण वे उत्तंक को विदा करना नहीं चाहते थे। किंतु, हे तात! क्रमशः उस महामुनि को जरा ने आ घेरा।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even strong bonds of affection within the guru–disciple relationship are subject to time; the verse underscores impermanence (jarā) and the ethical maturity required to accept change and separation.
The teacher-sage dismisses his many students after their studies, but hesitates to send away Uttaṅka because of special affection; nevertheless, as time passes, old age comes upon the great ascetic.