Shloka 6
Anuśāsana-parva Adhyāya 112: Dharma as the sole companion; karmic witnesses; rebirth sequences
Bṛhaspati–Yudhiṣṭhira Saṃvāda
तत्त्ववित्त्वनहंबुद्धिस्तीर्थप्रवरमुच्यते । (नारायणे<5थ रुद्रे वा भक्तिस्तीर्थ परं॑ मता ।) शौचलक्षणमेतत् ते सर्वत्रैवान्ववेक्षत:
tattvavittvanahaṁbuddhis tīrthapravaram ucyate | (nārāyaṇe ’tha rudre vā bhaktis tīrtha-paraṁ matā |) śaucalakṣaṇam etat te sarvatraivānvavekṣataḥ |
Bhishma said: The person who knows reality (tattva) and in whom the notion of “I” does not arise is called the foremost of sacred places (tīrthas). Likewise, devotion (bhakti) directed to Lord Nārāyaṇa or to Lord Rudra (Śiva) is also regarded as the highest pilgrimage. This is the mark of true purity: when you reflect carefully, you will see it everywhere—purity is not merely in external rites, but in ego-free wisdom and steadfast devotion.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True ‘tīrtha’ (a purifier) is not only a physical place; the highest purification is an ego-free mind grounded in truth, and sincere devotion to Nārāyaṇa or Rudra. Inner purity (śauca) is recognized by the absence of self-importance and by steady bhakti.
In the Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and right conduct. Here he reframes pilgrimage and purity as primarily inner qualities—wisdom without ego and devotion—rather than merely external travel or ritual.