धर्मज्ञानां मुख्यतमस्तपस्वी संशितव्रत: । आसीन्महर्षि: श्रुत॒वान् मन्दपाल इति श्रुत:,मन्दपाल नामसे विख्यात एक विद्दान् महर्षि थे। वे धर्मज्ञोंमें श्रेष्ठ और कठोर व्रतका पालन करनेवाले तपस्वी थे
dharmajñānāṁ mukhyatamas tapassvī saṁśitavrataḥ | āsīn maharṣiḥ śrutavān mandapāla iti śrutaḥ ||
毗舍波耶那说道:“曾有一位大圣者,名叫曼陀波罗,以博学闻名。在通晓达摩之人中,他最为卓越;他是严峻的苦行者,坚守训练有素的誓戒。”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse elevates dharma-informed wisdom and disciplined self-restraint: true eminence is marked not merely by knowledge, but by austerity and unwavering observance of vows.
Vaiśampāyana introduces the sage Mandapāla, characterizing him as a celebrated, learned maharṣi—foremost among knowers of dharma and rigorous in ascetic practice—setting the stage for his subsequent story.