Shloka 62
Śiva-nāmānukīrtana-prastāvaḥ
Prologue to the praise of Śiva and the Upamanyu testimony
तत्राश्रमपदे श्रेष्ठे सर्वभूतमनोरमे । सेविते द्विजशार्टूलैवेंदवेदाड़पारगै:
tatrāśramapade śreṣṭhe sarvabhūtamanorame | sevite dvijaśārdūlaiḥ vedavedāṅgapāragaiḥ ||
Doon, sa dakilang ashrama—kaaya-aya sa lahat ng nilalang—na dinadalaw ng mga pangunahing Brahmin na bihasa sa mga Veda at sa mga sangay nito, pumasok ako at nakita si Upamanyu: hiyas sa mga Brahmin, may buhol-buhol na buhok at kasuotang balat-kahoy, marilag at makapangyarihan, nagliliyab na parang apoy dahil sa tapas, payapa ang kalooban, nasa sigla ng kabataan, at nakaupo na napalilibutan ng kanyang mga alagad.
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
True authority in dharma is grounded in tapas (austerity), serenity, and mastery of sacred knowledge. The verse presents the hermitage as an ethical ideal where learning and self-restraint cultivate spiritual radiance and leadership.
Vāsudeva enters a renowned hermitage frequented by eminent Vedic scholars and sees the sage Upamanyu—an ascetic in bark-garments with matted hair—seated calmly, shining with the power of austerity, and surrounded by his disciples.