Shloka 5
Āścarya-kathana: Brāhmaṇa–Nāga Dialogue on Sūrya (Vivasvat) and the ‘Second Sun’ Phenomenon
सहोपनिषदान वेदान् ये विप्रा: सम्यगास्थिता: । पठन्ति विधिमास्थाय ये चापि यतिधर्मिण:
sahopaniṣadān vedān ye viprāḥ samyag āsthitāḥ | paṭhanti vidhim āsthāya ye cāpi yatidharmiṇaḥ ||
நல்லொழுக்கத்தில் உறுதியாக இருந்து, விதிமுறையைப் பின்பற்றி உபநிஷத்துகளுடன் வேதங்களை ஓதுகின்ற பிராமணர்களும், யதி-தர்மத்தைப் பின்பற்றுவோரும்—
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights two authoritative paths of dharma: disciplined Vedic learning (including Upaniṣadic wisdom) undertaken according to proper injunctions, and the rigorous ethical discipline of renunciants (yatis). Both are presented as legitimate, rule-governed ways of living in alignment with sacred law.
Janamejaya is speaking and referring to exemplary religious practitioners—learned brāhmaṇas who recite and study the Vedas with the Upaniṣads according to prescribed methods, and ascetics who follow yati-dharma—setting up a discussion about recognized forms of righteous conduct.