Shloka 27
Adhyāya 90: Babhruvāhana’s Reception and the Commencement of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Aśvamedha
कदाचिद् धर्मिणस्तस्य दुर्भिक्षे सति दारुणे
kadācid dharmiṇas tasya durbhikṣe sati dāruṇe brāhmaṇaḥ
Sinabi ni Nakula: Minsan, nang sumiklab ang isang kakila-kilabot na taggutom, ang matuwid na brāhmaṇa ay napasailalim sa matinding paghihirap. Wala siyang naimbak na butil, at natuyo rin ang mga pananim sa bukid; kaya siya’y lubusang naghirap—at dito nagsimula ang pagsubok sa pagtitiis at sa dharma sa gitna ng kakapusan.
नकुल उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames famine and poverty as a crucible for dharma: righteousness is not merely prosperity-based but is tested when resources vanish, inviting reflection on steadfastness, restraint, and ethical conduct under hardship.
Nakula begins recounting an episode about a righteous brāhmaṇa during a severe famine. With no stored grain and crops ruined, the brāhmaṇa becomes completely poor, preparing the narrative for subsequent choices and their moral implications.