Shloka 27
Kāmyake Arjuna-viyogaḥ — The Pandavas’ despondency in Kāmyaka during Arjuna’s absence
दहामानेन तु हृदा शरणार्थी महावने । ब्राह्मणान् विविधज्ञानान् पर्यपृच्छद् युधिष्ठिर:,अर्जुनके वियोगमें संतप्त हृदयवाले वे युधिष्ठिर निर्भय आश्रयकी इच्छा रखते हुए उस महान् वनमें रहते थे और अनेक प्रकारके ज्ञानसे सम्पन्न ब्राह्मणोंस अपना मनोगत अभिप्राय पूछा करते थे
dahāmanena tu hṛdā śaraṇārthī mahāvane | brāhmaṇān vividhajñānān paryapṛcchad yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: “Taglay ang pusong nagliliyab sa dalamhati, si Yudhiṣṭhira—naghahanap ng kanlungan at katiyakan—ay nanahan sa malawak na gubat. Doon ay paulit-ulit niyang tinanong ang mga pantas na brāhmaṇa, mga lalaking hitik sa sari-saring kaalaman, at inilahad ang mga alalahaning bumibigat sa kanyang isip. Ipinapakita ng tagpong ito ang isang haring nasa pagkatapon na tumatalikod sa kapangyarihan upang humingi ng payo, naghahanap ng linaw sa dharma sa gitna ng pagkalugi at pag-aalinlangan.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When overwhelmed by sorrow and uncertainty, one should seek refuge in dharmic reflection—approaching the learned with humility and sustained inquiry rather than acting from impulse. The verse elevates consultation, study, and ethical deliberation as a ruler’s proper response to crisis.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ forest life, Yudhiṣṭhira is distressed (contextually, by separation from Arjuna and the pressures of exile). Living in the great forest, he repeatedly consults knowledgeable brāhmaṇas, asking them questions that express his inner concerns and searching for guidance.