Shloka 33
Duḥṣantasya Vana-praveśaḥ
King Duḥṣanta’s Entry into the Forest Hunt
वासवा: पड्च राजानः पृथग्वंशाश्व शाश्वता: | वसन्तमिन्द्रप्रासादे आकाशे स्फाटिके च तम्,पाँचों वसुपुत्र भिन्न-भिन्न देशोंके राजा थे और उन्होंने पृथक्ू-पृथक् अपनी सनातन वंशपरम्परा चलायी। चेदिराज वसु इन्द्रके दिये हुए स्फटिक मणिमय विमानमें रहते हुए आकाशमें ही निवास करते थे। उस समय उन महात्मा नरेशकी सेवामें गन्धर्व और अप्सराएँ उपस्थित होती थीं। सदा ऊपर-ही-ऊपर चलनेके कारण उनका नाम “राजा उपरिचर' के रूपमें विख्यात हो गया
vasavāḥ pañca rājānaḥ pṛthagvaṃśāś ca śāśvatāḥ | vasantaṃ indraprāsāde ākāśe sphāṭike ca tam |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The five kings known as the Vasus belonged to distinct lineages, each maintaining its own ancient dynastic tradition. Among them, King Vasu of Cedi dwelt aloft in the sky, residing in a crystal-like aerial palace granted by Indra. Attended by Gandharvas and Apsarases in his service, he became renowned as Uparicara—“the one who moves above”—because he continually traveled and lived in the upper regions.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the prestige of righteous kingship grounded in established lineage and sustained tradition, and shows how extraordinary status (here, a celestial dwelling granted by Indra) becomes socially meaningful through reputation and naming—fame follows distinctive conduct and circumstance.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes the five rulers called the Vasus and focuses on Cedi’s King Vasu, who lives in a crystal-like palace in the sky given by Indra, attended by Gandharvas and Apsarases; because he moves and resides ‘above,’ he is celebrated as Uparicara.