Shloka 56
Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances
तव शुश्रूषणे युक्ता वत्स्यामो हि तवान्तिके । सोमो वसति नास्मासु नाकरोद् वचनं तव
tava śuśrūṣaṇe yuktā vatsyāmo hi tavāntike | somo vasati nāsmāsu nākarod vacanaṃ tava ||
“உங்கள் பணிவிடையில் ஈடுபட்டு நாங்கள் நிச்சயமாக உங்கள் அருகிலேயே இருப்போம். சோமன் (சந்திரன்) எங்களுடன் தங்குவதில்லை; அவர் உங்கள் சொல்லை நிறைவேற்றவில்லை।”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of śuśrūṣā (devoted service) and obedience to rightful instruction: the speakers affirm their duty to remain near and serve, while noting Soma’s failure to follow the command, implying a contrast between dutiful compliance and disregard.
A group (implied by the plural verbs) declares to their father/authority figure that they will stay close and serve him; they report that Soma (the Moon) does not stay with them and did not carry out the instruction given to him.