Shloka 19
कुमाराभिषेकप्रश्नः — Inquiry into Kumāra (Skanda) Investiture at Sarasvatī
ऊचुस्तान् वै मुनीन् सर्वान् कृपायुक्तान् पुनः पुनः । वयं च क्षुधिताश्रैव धर्माद्धीनाश्न शाश्वतात्
ūcus tān vai munīn sarvān kṛpāyuktān punaḥ punaḥ | vayaṃ ca kṣudhitāś caiva dharmādhīnān na śāśvatāt ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Again and again they addressed all those sages, who were filled with compassion: “We too are hungry, and our sustenance depends upon dharma; we do not live by any eternal, independent provision.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical stance: even in need (hunger), one should remain dependent on dharma—seeking support through righteous, socially sanctioned means rather than claiming entitlement or resorting to unrighteous action.
A group repeatedly appeals to compassionate sages, explaining their hunger and their reliance on dharma for sustenance, thereby requesting help or guidance within the bounds of righteous conduct.