Shloka 39
Vṛddha-kanyā-carita and Balarāma’s Kurukṣetra Inquiry (वृद्धकन्या-चरितम् / कुरुक्षेत्रफल-प्रश्नः)
गमनाय मतिं चक्रे तं प्रोवाच सरस्वती । सम्पूर्ण दिशाओंसे भागकर इधर-उधर जाते हुए उन महर्षियोंको देखकर सारस्वत मुनिने भी वहाँसे अन्यत्र जानेका विचार किया। तब सरस्वतीदेवीने उनसे कहा ।। न गन्तव्यमित: पुत्र तवाहारमहं सदा
gamanāya matiṁ cakre taṁ provāca sarasvatī | sampūrṇa-diśābhyo bhāgakṛtya iha-tatra gacchataḥ tān maharṣīn dṛṣṭvā sārasvato munir api tatraiva anyatra gantum vicārayām āsa | tataḥ sarasvatī-devī tam uvāca || na gantavyam itaḥ putra tavāhāram ahaṁ sadā ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Seeing the great seers scattering in all directions and fleeing here and there, the sage Sārasvata also resolved to depart from that place. Then the goddess Sarasvatī addressed him: “My son, you should not go from here; I shall always provide your sustenance.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a time of fear and dispersal, the verse highlights divine guardianship and steadfastness: Sarasvatī urges the sage not to abandon his place, promising continual sustenance—suggesting that dharmic perseverance can be supported by higher providence.
As other great seers flee in all directions, Sārasvata Muni also decides to leave. Sarasvatī intervenes directly, addressing him affectionately as ‘son’ and instructing him to stay, assuring him that she will always provide his food.