Shloka 69
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 3 — Janamejaya’s Rite, Dhaumya’s Parīkṣā, and Uttanka’s Kuṇḍala Quest (सर्पसत्रप्रस्तावना–गुरुपरीक्षा–उत्तङ्कोपाख्यान)
इत्येवं तेनाभिष्टतावश्वचिनावाजग्मतुराहतुश्चैनं प्रीतौ स्व एब ते5पूपो5शानैनमिति,इस प्रकार उपमन्युके स्तवन करनेपर दोनों अश्विनीकुमार वहाँ आये और उससे बोले --'उपमन्यु! हम तुम्हारे ऊपर बहुत प्रसन्न हैं। यह तुम्हारे खानेके लिये पूआ है, इसे खा लो'
ity evaṁ tenābhiṣṭutāv aśvinau ājagmatū rāhatuś cainaṁ prītau sva eb te ’pūpo ’śānainam iti
Thus, when he had praised them in this manner, the two Aśvin twins came there and, pleased with him, said: “Upamanyu, we are greatly delighted with you. Here is a pūpa (a sweet cake) for your food—eat it.” The episode underscores how sincere devotion and disciplined conduct draw divine favor, yet also sets the stage for testing restraint and right choice in accepting gifts.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sincere praise and steadfast discipline can invite divine assistance, but ethical maturity is shown by how one responds to attractive gifts—whether one remains aligned with dharma rather than mere appetite or reward.
After Upamanyu’s hymn of praise, the Aśvin twins appear, express their pleasure, and offer him a sweet cake to eat—an event that functions both as a boon and as a potential test of restraint and right conduct.