Shloka 423
Umā–Maheśvara-saṃvāda: Varṇa-bhraṃśa, Ācāra (Vṛtta), and Karmic Ascent/Decline
प्रदक्षिणमभ्रिक्रम्य सर्वे प्राजजलय: स्थिता: । भीष्मजी कहते हैं--राजन्! तदनन्तर महान् सौभाग्यशाली विश्वविख्यात वसिष्ठ आदि सभी सप्तर्षियोंने कमलयोनि ब्रह्माजीकी प्रदक्षिणा की और सब-के-सब हाथ जोड़कर उनके सामने खड़े हो गये
pradakṣiṇam abhrikramya sarve prāñjalayaḥ sthitāḥ |
Bhīṣma said: “O King, thereafter all the sages—Vasiṣṭha and the other world-renowned, greatly fortunate Seven Ṛṣis—circumambulated Brahmā, the lotus-born, in reverence. Then, with palms joined, they all stood before him, embodying disciplined humility and devotion to the cosmic order.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dhārmic conduct through reverence: approaching a worthy authority with humility, performing pradakṣiṇā, and standing with folded hands. It models disciplined respect for wisdom and cosmic order rather than pride or entitlement.
After a preceding event, Vasiṣṭha and the other Seven Ṛṣis approach Brahmā, circumambulate him as a mark of honor, and then stand before him with joined palms, ready to listen or receive instruction.