the vĕdhas that are difficult to obtain, —

at all times, the ones who correctly follow vĕdhas (vaidhikas) – their —

to conceal —

the entire earth to be engulfed in darkness —

 to hide —

 brāhmaṇas —

 best among brāhmaṇas —

 brāhmaṇas —

 vaidhikas —

to bhīshma, dhrŏṇa and other vaidhikas (those who believe in vĕdhams) —

to mārkaṇdĕya rishi (sage), a vaidhika (one who believes in vĕdhams) —