Shloka 2
सर्पसत्रे ऋत्विजः सदस्याश्च — Officiants and Assembly at Janamejaya’s Serpent-Sacrifice
ततः स भुजगश्रेष्ठ: श्रुत्वा सुमहदप्रियम् । उवाच भगिनीं दीनां तदा दीनतर: स्वयम्,यह अत्यन्त अप्रिय समाचार सुनकर सर्पॉमें श्रेष्ठ वासुकि स्वयं भी बहुत दुःखी हो गये और दु:खमें पड़ी हुई अपनी बहिनसे बोले
tataḥ sa bhujagaśreṣṭhaḥ śrutvā sumahad apriyam | uvāca bhaginīṁ dīnāṁ tadā dīnataraḥ svayam ||
Then the foremost of serpents, having heard the exceedingly grievous and unwelcome news, spoke to his sister who was already distressed—he himself becoming even more downcast. The passage underscores how harsh tidings can deepen sorrow, yet also prompts compassionate speech toward those already afflicted.
तक्षक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical sensitivity in speech and conduct: when painful news arrives, one should respond with compassion, especially toward those already suffering, recognizing that grief can intensify and requires gentle, supportive communication.
A leading serpent (identified here as Vāsuki) hears extremely unwelcome news and, becoming even more sorrowful, addresses his sister who is already in distress, setting up the ensuing dialogue and response to the crisis.