Shloka 2
Śamī-vṛkṣe śastra-nidhāna and Entry into Virāṭa’s Capital (शमीवृक्षे शस्त्रनिधानम्)
ततस्ते दक्षिणं तीरमन्वगच्छन् पदातय: । निवृत्तवनवासा हि स्वराष्ट्रं प्रेप्मवस्तदा । वसन्तो गिरिदुर्गेषु वनदुर्गेषु धन्विन:
tataste dakṣiṇaṁ tīram anvagacchan padātayaḥ | nivṛttavanavāsā hi svarāṣṭraṁ prepma vastadā | vasanto giridurgeṣu vanadurgeṣu dhanvinaḥ ||
ततः ते दक्षिणं तीरमन्वगच्छन् पदातयः। निवृत्तवनवासा हि स्वराष्ट्रं प्रेप्मवस्तदा॥ वसन्तो गिरिदुर्गेषु वनदुर्गेषु धन्विनः॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined transition from hardship to rightful return: after completing a prescribed period of forest-dwelling, one proceeds toward one’s rightful domain with vigilance and strategic restraint, using secure strongholds rather than reckless exposure.
A body of troops—especially infantry and archers—moves along the southern bank and begins the journey back toward their homeland after the end of their forest-stay, taking shelter in mountain and forest fortifications as they proceed.