Shloka 8
Dhūpa–Dīpa–Bali Phala Praśna; Nahūṣa–Agastya–Bhṛgu Saṃvāda
Incense, Lamp, and Bali Offerings; the Nahūṣa Dialogue
सर्व तस्य गृहे राज्ञ: प्रावर्तत महात्मन: । जपयज्ञान्मनोयज्ञांस्त्रिदिवेषपि चकार स:
bhīṣma uvāca | sarvaṁ tasya gṛhe rājñaḥ prāvartata mahātmanaḥ | japayajñān manoyajñāṁs tridiveṣv api cakāra saḥ ||
Bhishma said: In the house of that great-souled king, all the prescribed rites and offerings were continually maintained. Even while dwelling in heaven, he kept performing sacrifices of recitation and the inner sacrifice of the mind—worship through disciplined meditation—showing that true dharma is sustained not merely by outward ritual but by steady inner devotion and self-restraint.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that dharma is upheld through both outer observances and inner discipline: japa (sacred recitation) and mano-yajña (mental/meditative offering). Even in heavenly enjoyment, sustained spiritual practice and self-regulation remain the mark of true nobility.
Bhishma describes the exemplary conduct associated with King Nahusha: in his household, rites and offerings were continuously maintained, and Nahusha himself continued performing japa-yajñas and mental worship even while in heaven, emphasizing continuity of religious practice beyond worldly circumstances.