Shloka 43
Tapas-śreṣṭhatā: Anāśana as the Highest Austerity
Bhagīratha–Brahmā Saṃvāda
भीष्म उवाच इत्युक्तवन्तं ब्रह्मा तु राजानं स भगीरथम् । पूजयामास पूजा विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा
bhīṣma uvāca ity uktavantaṃ brahmā tu rājānaṃ sa bhagīratham | pūjayāmāsa pūjā-vidhi-dṛṣṭena karmaṇā ||
Bhishma said: When King Bhagiratha had spoken thus, Brahma honored that king, performing a formal reception in accordance with the scripturally prescribed rites.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
That dharmic intent and truthful, purposeful speech merit honor, and that even the highest authority (Brahmā) upholds scriptural propriety by recognizing virtue through prescribed rites.
After Bhagiratha speaks, Brahmā responds by formally honoring him, performing a reception/act of reverence according to the established ritual procedure.