Shloka 8
प्रावृट्-शरत्-वर्णनम् — Description of the Monsoon and Autumn; Sarasvatī in the Pāṇḍavas’ Exile
नित्यपुष्पफलैव॑क्षैर्हिमसंस्पर्शकोमलै: उपेतान् बहुलच्छायैर्मनोनयननन्दनै:
nityapuṣpaphalaivakṣair himasaṃsparśakomālaiḥ upetān bahulacchāyair manonayananandanaiḥ
वैशम्पायन उवाच—तत्र वृक्षाः नित्यपुष्पफलोपेताः, हिमसंस्पर्शकोमलाः। बहुलच्छायाः मनोनयननन्दनाश्च बभूवुः॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic ideal of the forest-as-āśraya (refuge): even in exile and hardship, nature can embody generosity and serenity—offering sustenance and mental clarity without violence or excess.
Vaiśaṃpāyana is describing a beautiful woodland setting: trees perpetually bearing flowers and fruits, softened by snowy touch, casting thick shade, and pleasing the senses—setting the scene for events in the Vana Parva.