Shloka 45
Vṛddha-kanyā-carita and Balarāma’s Kurukṣetra Inquiry (वृद्धकन्या-चरितम् / कुरुक्षेत्रफल-प्रश्नः)
स्वाध्यायममरप्रख्यं कुर्वाणं विजने वने । फिर वहाँसे जाकर उन्होंने सब महर्षियोंको बताया कि “देवताओंके समान अत्यन्त कान्तिमान् एक सारस्वत मुनि हैं, जो निर्जन वनमें रहकर सदा स्वाध्याय करते हैं” ।। ततः सर्वे समाजम्मुस्तत्र राजन् महर्षय:
svādhyāyam amaraprakhyaṃ kurvāṇaṃ vijane vane | tataḥ sarve samājamus tatra rājan maharṣayaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: “May isang pantas na mula sa angkan ng Sarasvatī, maningning na gaya ng mga diyos, na naninirahan sa isang liblib na gubat at laging abala sa svādhyāya (sariling pagbigkas at pag-aaral).” Nang marinig ito, O Hari, nagtipon doon ang lahat ng dakilang rishi—hinila ng paggalang sa pagkatuto at ng tahimik na lakas ng disiplinadong tapas (pagpapakasakit/ascetisismo).
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights svādhyāya—disciplined sacred study—as a source of inner radiance and spiritual authority. Godlike brilliance is presented not as mere birthright but as the fruit of sustained practice in solitude, suggesting that learning and self-discipline are central supports of dharma.
A report is given about a Sārasvata sage living in a deserted forest, continually engaged in svādhyāya. On hearing of him, the assembled great seers proceed to gather there, indicating collective respect for a powerful ascetic-scholar and setting up a meeting or consultation around him.