Shloka 20
Vṛddha-kanyā-carita and Balarāma’s Kurukṣetra Inquiry (वृद्धकन्या-चरितम् / कुरुक्षेत्रफल-प्रश्नः)
जानन्ति त्वां सरिच्छेछे मुनय: संशितव्रता: । मम प्रियकरी चापि सतत प्रियदर्शने,“महाभागे! तुम पूर्वकालमें ब्रह्माजीके सरोवरसे प्रकट हुई हो। सरिताओंमें श्रेष्ठ सरस्वती! कठोर व्रतका पालन करनेवाले मुनि तुम्हारी महिमाको जानते हैं। प्रियदर्शने! तुम सदा मेरा भी प्रिय करती रही हो; अतः वरवर्णिनि! तुम्हारा यह लोकभावन महान पुत्र तुम्हारे ही नामपर “सारस्वत” कहलायेगा
jānanti tvāṃ saricchreṣṭhe munayaḥ saṃśitavratāḥ | mama priyakarī cāpi satataṃ priyadarśane | mahābhāge tvaṃ pūrvakāle brahmaṇaḥ sarovarāt prādurbhūtā | saritāṃ śreṣṭhe sarasvati | kaṭhoravratapālanā munayas tava mahimānaṃ jānanti | priyadarśane tvaṃ satataṃ mama api priyam ācaritavatī | ataḥ varavarṇini tava ayaṃ lokabhāvanaḥ mahān putras tavaiva nāmnā “sārasvata” iti khyātiṃ gamiṣyati |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “O best of rivers, the austere sages who keep their vows know your greatness. O fair to behold, you have always acted for my good as well. O fortunate one—born in ancient times from Brahmā’s lake—O Sarasvatī, foremost among streams: since this great son of yours will be a benefactor of the world, he shall be known by your very name as ‘Sārasvata.’”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links spiritual authority (sages of strict vows) with recognition of sacred power: true greatness is affirmed by disciplined seers, and beneficence toward the world becomes the basis for honor and naming. It also underscores gratitude—acknowledging Sarasvatī as a continual benefactress.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates a praise of Sarasvatī, recalling her ancient manifestation from Brahmā’s lake and stating that sages know her glory. He then explains that her great son, a benefactor of the world, will be called ‘Sārasvata’ after her.