Shloka 33

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणेन तप: कार्य दानमध्ययनं तथा

Transliteration

brāhmaṇena tapaḥ kāryaṁ dānam adhyayanaṁ tathā

Translation

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “For a brāhmaṇa, austerity is to be undertaken; likewise, giving (charity) and the study of sacred learning.” In the midst of war, he recalls the ethical duties proper to one’s station, emphasizing self-discipline, generosity, and learning as the brāhmaṇa’s defining obligations.

Word by Word

• ब्राह्मणेन: by a Brahmin
• ब्राह्मणेन: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: ब्राह्मण
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

• तपः: austerity, penance
• तपः: Karma
• Type: Noun
• Root: तपस्
• Form: Neuter, Nominative, Singular

• कार्यम्: to be done, should be done
• कार्यम्: Karma
• Type: Adjective
• Root: कृ (√कृ) → कार्य (gerundive)
• Form: Neuter, Nominative, Singular

• दानम्: giving, charity
• दानम्: Karma
• Type: Noun
• Root: दान
• Form: Neuter, Nominative, Singular

• अध्ययनम्: study (of the Veda/learning)
• अध्ययनम्: Karma
• Type: Noun
• Root: अध्ययन
• Form: Neuter, Nominative, Singular

• तथा: and also; likewise
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: तथा

Speaker

(युधिष्टिर उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Yudhiṣṭhira
• brāhmaṇa

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse states the brāhmaṇa’s core dharma: tapas (self-discipline/austerity), dāna (charitable giving), and adhyayana (study of sacred knowledge). It frames ethical life as sustained by restraint, generosity, and learning.

What is happening in the narrative?

In Karṇa Parva’s battlefield setting, Yudhiṣṭhira speaks about dharma and proper conduct. Even amid conflict, he articulates role-based duties, highlighting the brāhmaṇa’s responsibilities as a moral compass within the chaos of war.