Shloka 913
मानसतीर्थ-शौचप्रशंसा | Praise of the ‘Mental Tīrtha’ and the Marks of Purity
स लोकान् विपुलान् रम्यानादित्यानामुपाश्षुते । जो लगातार बारह महीनेतक पूरे बीस दिनपर एक बार भोजन करता, सत्य बोलता, व्रतका पालन करता, मांस नहीं खाता, ब्रह्मचर्यका पालन करता तथा समस्त प्राणियोंके हितमें तत्पर रहता है, वह सूर्यदेवके विशाल एवं रमणीय लोकोंमें जाता है
sa lokān vipulān ramyān ādityānām upāśnute |
Bhishma said: Such a person attains the vast and delightful worlds of the Adityas (the solar deities). One who, for twelve continuous months, eats only once every twenty days, speaks truth, observes his vow, abstains from meat, maintains celibacy, and remains devoted to the welfare of all beings—he reaches the expansive and beautiful realms of the Sun-god.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that rigorous self-discipline—truthfulness, faithful observance of vows, abstention from meat, celibacy, and active commitment to the welfare of all beings—produces spiritual merit culminating in attainment of exalted solar realms (the worlds of the Adityas/Sun).
In Anushasana Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on dharma and the fruits of various vows and austerities. Here he describes a specific long-term observance (restricted eating over a year, coupled with ethical restraints) and states its reward: reaching the vast, delightful worlds associated with the Adityas, especially Surya.