Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 38
Kārttikeya-Abhiṣecana: Mātṛgaṇa-Nāma Saṃkīrtana and Skanda’s Commission
वर्धनं नन्दनं चैव सर्वविद्याविशारदौ । स्कन्दाय ददतु: प्रीतावश्चिनौ भिषजां वरौ
vardhanaṃ nandanaṃ caiva sarvavidyāviśāradau | skandāya dadatuḥ prītāv aśvinau bhiṣajāṃ varau ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。医術の第一人者にしてあらゆる学芸に通じる双子のアシュヴィンは、喜び、スカンダにヴァルダナとナンダナという二人の従者を授けた。この挿話は、善意と結びついた神々の技と知が奉仕へと向かうことを示す。癒やし手の贈り物は単なる褒賞ではなく、有能な支えによって神軍の統率者を強める行いなのである。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Excellence in knowledge and skill (especially healing) attains its highest value when guided by goodwill and offered in service to a worthy cause; the Aśvins’ expertise culminates in supportive giving rather than mere display of power.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the divine twin physicians, the Aśvins, pleased with Skanda, present him with two attendants named Vardhana and Nandana—reinforcing Skanda’s stature and support-system among the gods.