Shloka 63
Śiva-nāmānukīrtana-prastāvaḥ
Prologue to the praise of Śiva and the Upamanyu testimony
नानानियमविख्यातैर्षिभि: सुमहात्मभि: । प्रविशन्नेव चापश्यं जटाचीरधरं प्रभुम्
nānā-niyama-vikhyātair ṛṣibhiḥ su-mahātmabhiḥ | praviśann eva cāpaśyaṃ jaṭā-cīra-dharaṃ prabhum ||
قال فاسوديفا: لما دخلتُ ذلك الآشرم الممتاز—الذي أضاءه رِشِيّون عظام اشتهروا بكثرة رياضاتهم—أبصرتُ من فوري البراهمن الجليل أوبامانيو، كأنه سيّد مهيب: ذو جَطا وثيابٍ من لحاء الشجر، قويًّا متلألئًا، يتوهّج كالنار بتابَسِه، هادئ السجية، فتيًّا، جالسًا تحفّ به تلامذته.
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that genuine spiritual and social authority arises from disciplined observance (niyama), austerity (tapas), serenity, and learning. A dharmic order is portrayed as flourishing where great sages uphold restraint and where a worthy teacher is honored by disciples.
Vāsudeva narrates entering a beautiful hermitage renowned for sages famous for strict observances. Upon entering, he immediately sees the eminent brahmin Upamanyu—an ascetic in matted locks and bark-garments—radiant with tapas and seated amid his disciples.