Shloka 2
गान्धारीपुत्रोत्पत्तिः — The Birth of Gāndhārī’s Hundred Sons (and Yuyutsu); Omens and Counsel on Succession
वैशम्पायन उवाच बभूव ब्राह्मण: कश्रिन्माण्डव्य इति विश्रुत: । धृतिमान् सर्वधर्मज्ञ: सत्ये तपसि च स्थित:
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: babhūva brāhmaṇaḥ kaścin Māṇḍavya iti viśrutaḥ | dhṛtimān sarvadharmajñaḥ satye tapasi ca sthitaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: “Wahai Raja, pada zaman dahulu ada seorang brāhmaṇa yang masyhur bernama Māṇḍavya—teguh pendirian, mengetahui segala dharma, serta kukuh dalam kebenaran dan tapa (tapas).”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse establishes an ethical ideal: true authority in dharma rests on inner steadiness (dhṛti), comprehensive understanding of righteous conduct (sarvadharmajñatā), and unwavering commitment to truth (satya) and disciplined austerity (tapas).
Vaiśampāyana introduces a renowned brāhmaṇa named Māṇḍavya to the king, describing his character and virtues as a prelude to the ensuing episode centered on dharma and its consequences.