Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 30

Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances

Devanagari script

यथासुखं जन: सर्वो याति तिष्ठति वै तदा । यातुकामस्य यानानि पानानि तृषितस्य च

Transliteration

yathāsukhaṃ janaḥ sarvo yāti tiṣṭhati vai tadā | yātukāmasya yānāni pānāni tṛṣitasya ca ||

Translation

வைசம்பாயனர் கூறினார்— அந்நேரம் அந்தப் பயணத்தில் அனைவரும் இன்பமாகச் சென்று இளைப்பாறினர். செல்ல விரும்பியவர்க்கு வாகனங்கள் அளிக்கப்பட்டன; தாகமுற்றவர்க்கு பானம் வழங்கப்பட்டது—எவருடைய தேவையும் புறக்கணிக்கப்படாத வகையில் ஒழுங்கான விருந்தோம்பல் நடந்தது.

Word by Word

• {'yathāsukham': 'according to comfort

• at ease', 'janaḥ sarvaḥ': 'all the people

• everyone', 'yāti': 'goes

• proceeds', 'tiṣṭhati': 'stands

• rests', 'vai': 'indeed

• surely (emphatic particle)', 'tadā': 'then

• at that time', 'yātukāmasya': 'of one who wishes to go/travel

• of a traveler desiring to proceed', 'yānāni': 'vehicles

• means of transport', 'pānāni': 'drinks

• potable refreshments', 'tṛṣitasya': 'of the thirsty person'}

Speaker

वैशम्पायन उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Vaiśampāyana
• travelers/people (janaḥ)
• vehicles/conveyances (yānāni)
• drinks/water (pānāni)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse highlights dharmic hospitality: a well-ordered community ensures comfort and basic necessities—transport for those who need it and drink for the thirsty—so that no one is left unsupported.

What is happening in the narrative?

During a journey described by Vaiśampāyana, arrangements are so well managed that people travel and rest comfortably; conveyances are provided to those who wish to proceed, and refreshments are given to those who are thirsty.