Shloka 44
Tapas-śreṣṭhatā: Anāśana as the Highest Austerity
Bhagīratha–Brahmā Saṃvāda
तस्मादनशनैरयुक्तो विप्रान् पूजय नित्यदा । विप्राणां वचनात् सर्व परत्रेह च सिध्यति
tasmād anaśanair ayukto viprān pūjaya nityadā | viprāṇāṁ vacanāt sarvaṁ paratreha ca sidhyati ||
Therefore, being disciplined in fasting and self-restraint, always honor the brāhmaṇas. By heeding the counsel of brāhmaṇas, everything is accomplished—both in this world and in the world to come.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that disciplined self-restraint (including fasting) should be paired with continual reverence toward learned brāhmaṇas, and that following their righteous counsel leads to success and welfare both in this life and after death.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and right conduct, emphasizing practices that secure prosperity and spiritual merit—here, honoring brāhmaṇas and acting according to their guidance.