Shloka 9
Puṣkara-Tīrtha-Māhātmya and the Phala of Pilgrimage
Nārada–Yudhiṣṭhira; Pulastya–Bhīṣma Transmission
नित्यं हि पुरुषव्यात्रा वन््याहारमरिंदमा: । उपाकृत्य उपाहत्य ब्राह्मणेभ्यो न्यवेदयन्,वे नरश्रेष्ठ और शत्रुदमन पाण्डव प्रतिदिन ब्राह्मणोंके लिये जंगली फल-मूलका आहार संगृहीत करके उन्हें अर्पित करते थे
nityaṃ hi puruṣavyāghrā vanyāhāram ariṃdamāḥ | upākṛtya upāhatya brāhmaṇebhyo nyavedayan |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Those tiger-like men, the Pandavas—subduers of foes—would daily gather the simple forest fare of fruits and roots, prepare it and bring it, and then respectfully present it to the Brahmins. The passage highlights their steady discipline in exile and their ethical commitment to sustaining sacred guests and teachers even amid hardship.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in adversity, dharma is maintained through daily discipline and respectful support of Brahmins/guests—offering what one has (here, simple forest food) with sincerity and regularity.
During their forest life, the Pandavas routinely collect and bring forest provisions—fruits and roots—and present them to Brahmins, showing ongoing responsibility and reverence despite exile.