Śuka’s Origin, Mastery of Śāstra, and Testing at Janaka’s Court
एवं लब्ध्वा वरं देवो व्यासः सत्यवतीसुतः । अरणिं त्वथ संगृह्य ममंथाग्निचिकीर्षया ॥ १८ ॥
evaṃ labdhvā varaṃ devo vyāsaḥ satyavatīsutaḥ | araṇiṃ tvatha saṃgṛhya mamaṃthāgnicikīrṣayā || 18 ||
یوں برکتِ ور پا کر، ستیہ وتی کے فرزند دیویہ ویاس نے پھر اَرَنی کی لکڑیاں جمع کیں اور مقدّس آگ روشن کرنے کی خواہش سے انہیں مَتھّا۔
Narada (narrating within the Moksha-dharma discourse; dialogue context traditionally centers on Narada and Sanatkumara)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
It highlights that even exalted sages like Vyāsa begin sacred undertakings by establishing Agni, symbolizing inner purification and the disciplined commencement of dharmic practice.
While the verse is ritual-focused, it supports Bhakti by showing that devotion is strengthened through orderly dharmic conduct—initiating worship and vows with sanctifying rites centered on sacred fire.
It points to Kalpa/Śrauta-Smārta ritual practice: producing the consecrated fire through araṇi-manthana, a foundational procedure for yajña and formal worship.