Shloka 513
Vṛddha-kanyā-carita and Balarāma’s Kurukṣetra Inquiry (वृद्धकन्या-चरितम् / कुरुक्षेत्रफल-प्रश्नः)
सारस्वतस्य विप्रषेषेवेंदस्वाध्यायकारणात् । साठ हजार मुनियोंने स्वाध्यायके निमित्त ब्रह्मर्षि सारस्वतकी शिष्यता ग्रहण की थी
sārasvatasya vipraśeṣeva indasvādhyāya-kāraṇāt | ṣaṣṭi-sahasra-munibhiḥ svādhyāya-nimittaṁ brahmarṣi-sārasvatasya śiṣyatā gṛhītā āsīt |
Vaiśampāyana said: Because of the cause of Vedic self-study, sixty thousand sages accepted discipleship under the brahmarṣi Sārasvata—seeking instruction and continuity of sacred learning. The passage underscores that the preservation of the Veda depends upon disciplined study and the humility to learn from a worthy teacher.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
That svādhyāya (disciplined Vedic study and recitation) is a dharmic duty requiring humility and proper transmission through a qualified teacher; even great sages accept discipleship to preserve and deepen sacred knowledge.
Vaiśampāyana reports that sixty thousand sages, motivated by the need for Vedic study, became disciples of the brahmarṣi Sārasvata, indicating his authority as a teacher and the collective effort to maintain Vedic tradition.