Shloka 20
Adhyāya 352: Brāhmaṇa–Nāga Saṃvāda — Uñchavrata-niścaya
Dialogue and the Resolve to Practice Uñchavrata
कि नु तत्सदन श्रेष्ठ क्षुत्पिपासाविवर्जितम् । सुरासुरैरध्युषितं ऋषिभिश्नामितप्रभै:
ki nu tat sadana śreṣṭha kṣutpipāsāvivarjitam | surāsurair adhyuṣitaṁ ṛṣibhir nāmitaprabhaiḥ |
மிகச் சிறந்தவரே! பசி-தாகமற்ற அந்த உயர்ந்த தாமத்தை—அங்கு தேவர்கள், அசுரர்கள், அளவற்ற ஒளியுடைய ரிஷிகள் வாழும் இடத்தை—விட்டு நீங்கள் ஏன் தனியாக இந்தச் சிறந்த மலையினை அடைந்தீர்?
पितामह उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical inquiry into renunciation: leaving a comfortable, desire-free celestial-like abode for solitude suggests a deliberate spiritual purpose. Bhīṣma’s question highlights that true dharma is not merely comfort or privilege, but the reasoned pursuit of a higher aim.
Bhīṣma addresses a revered person (śreṣṭha), asking why he has left an exalted residence—free from hunger and thirst and frequented by devas, asuras, and radiant sages—and come alone to a mountain. The question sets up an explanation of motive and spiritual intent.