Shloka 20
Vṛddha-kanyā-carita and Balarāma’s Kurukṣetra Inquiry (वृद्धकन्या-चरितम् / कुरुक्षेत्रफल-प्रश्नः)
जानन्ति त्वां सरिच्छेछे मुनय: संशितव्रता: । मम प्रियकरी चापि सतत प्रियदर्शने
jānanti tvāṃ saricchreṣṭhe munayaḥ saṃśitavratāḥ | mama priyakarī cāpi satataṃ priyadarśane | mahābhāge tvaṃ pūrvakāle brahmaṇaḥ sarovarāt prādurbhūtā | saritāṃ śreṣṭhe sarasvati | kaṭhoravratapālanā munayas tava mahimānaṃ jānanti | priyadarśane tvaṃ satataṃ mama api priyam ācaritavatī | ataḥ varavarṇini tava ayaṃ lokabhāvanaḥ mahān putras tavaiva nāmnā “sārasvata” iti khyātiṃ gamiṣyati |
毗湿摩波耶那说道：“诸河之最啊，守严誓的圣仙皆知你的伟大。悦目者啊，你也常常为我作善。福德具足者——远古自梵天之湖而生——萨拉斯瓦蒂，众流之首：既然你这伟大之子将成为世间的施惠者，他便当以你的名号而称为‘萨拉斯瓦塔（Sārasvata）’。”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links spiritual authority (sages of strict vows) with recognition of sacred power: true greatness is affirmed by disciplined seers, and beneficence toward the world becomes the basis for honor and naming. It also underscores gratitude—acknowledging Sarasvatī as a continual benefactress.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates a praise of Sarasvatī, recalling her ancient manifestation from Brahmā’s lake and stating that sages know her glory. He then explains that her great son, a benefactor of the world, will be called ‘Sārasvata’ after her.