Shloka 6
नियोगप्रसङ्गः — The Niyoga Episode: Births of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Pāṇḍu, and Vidura
तस्याश्रमपदं पुण्यं मृगपक्षिसमन्वितम् । मेरो: पाश्वे नगेन्द्रस्य सर्वर्तुकुसुमावृतम्
tasyāśramapadaṃ puṇyaṃ mṛgapakṣisamanvitam | meroḥ pārśve nagendrasya sarvartukusumāvṛtam ||
Di sisi Meru, raja segala gunung, terletak tapak pertapaannya yang suci—ramai oleh rusa dan burung, serta berhias bunga-bunga yang mekar di setiap musim.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents the hermitage as a dharmic environment: sanctity is reflected in non-violence and harmony with creatures (deer and birds) and in a natural abundance that supports ascetic discipline. Sacred places are depicted not merely as locations but as ethical ecosystems conducive to restraint and spiritual practice.
Vaiśampāyana describes the setting of a revered hermitage situated near Mount Meru. He emphasizes its purity and beauty—teeming with gentle wildlife and perpetually blossoming flowers—preparing the listener for events that unfold in an ascetic, sacred context.