Shloka 14
युधिष्ठिरस्य अर्जुनप्रेषण-युक्तिवर्णनम् | Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rationale for Sending Arjuna and Request to Dhaumya
दिव्यं वर्षमहस्नं हि शाकेन किल सुव्रता । आहारं सा कृतवती मासि मासि नराधिप
divyaṃ varṣa-sahasraṃ hi śākena kila suvratā | āhāraṃ sā kṛtavatī māsi māsi narādhipa ||
Wahai raja, dikisahkan bahwa Sang Dewi—teguh dalam laku tapa dan nazar yang luhur—selama seribu tahun ilahi, bulan demi bulan, hanya menyantap sayur-mayur berdaun (śāka).
घुलस्त्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic discipline: steadfast austerity (a regulated, simple diet maintained over time) and the ethical duty of hospitality. True devotion is shown not only by personal restraint but also by honoring guests and sages with whatever one has, even if it is simple fare.
The speaker reports a tradition about a goddess who maintained a strict vow, living on leafy greens month after month for an immense span of divine time. Her devotion draws many ascetic seers to her, and she welcomes them respectfully, offering them the same simple food.