Shloka 78
Parīkṣit’s Final Absorption, Takṣaka’s Bite, Janamejaya’s Snake Sacrifice, and the Vedic Sound-Lineage
उदीच्या: सामगा: शिष्या आसन् पञ्चशतानि वै । पौष्यञ्ज्यावन्त्ययोश्चापि तांश्च प्राच्यान् प्रचक्षते ॥ ७८ ॥
udīcyāḥ sāma-gāḥ śiṣyā āsan pañca-śatāni vai pauṣyañjy-āvantyayoś cāpi tāṁś ca prācyān pracakṣate
പൗഷ്യഞ്ജിയുടെയും ആവന്ത്യയുടെയും അഞ്ചുനൂറ് ശിഷ്യർ ‘ഉദീച്യ’ അഥവാ വടക്കൻ സാമഗായകർ എന്നറിയപ്പെട്ടു. പിന്നീട് കാലങ്ങളിൽ അവരിൽ ചിലർ ‘പ്രാച്യ’ അഥവാ കിഴക്കൻ സാമഗായകർ എന്നും വിളിക്കപ്പെട്ടു.
FAQs
This verse notes that there were five hundred Sāma Veda-chanting disciples associated with the northern region, and it names Pauṣyañji and Āvantya among the traditions that are also counted as eastern.
In this section Śukadeva summarizes how Vedic knowledge is organized and transmitted through recognized schools and disciples, showing the continuity of śruti through paramparā even as time progresses toward Kali-yuga conditions.
It highlights the value of learning sacred knowledge through authentic lineages—encouraging seekers to study, chant, and practice under trustworthy guidance rather than relying on self-made interpretations.