Shloka 27
Adhyāya 90: Babhruvāhana’s Reception and the Commencement of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Aśvamedha
कदाचिद् धर्मिणस्तस्य दुर्भिक्षे सति दारुणे
kadācid dharmiṇas tasya durbhikṣe sati dāruṇe brāhmaṇaḥ
Накула сказал: Однажды, когда разразился страшный голод, тот праведный брахман оказался в крайней нужде. Не имея запасов зерна и видя, как посевы в полях высохли, он стал совершенно нищим — и тем самым началось испытание стойкости и дхармы среди лишений.
नकुल उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames famine and poverty as a crucible for dharma: righteousness is not merely prosperity-based but is tested when resources vanish, inviting reflection on steadfastness, restraint, and ethical conduct under hardship.
Nakula begins recounting an episode about a righteous brāhmaṇa during a severe famine. With no stored grain and crops ruined, the brāhmaṇa becomes completely poor, preparing the narrative for subsequent choices and their moral implications.