Shloka 35
Śrāddha-Kalpa: Pitṛ-Pūjā and Tithi-Phala (श्राद्धकल्पः पितृपूजा च तिथिफलम्)
पप्रच्छागमसम्पन्नानूषीन् देवांश्व॒ भार्गव: । पावन यत् परं नृणामुग्रे कर्मणि वर्तताम्
Bhīṣma uvāca — papracchāgama-sampannān ṛṣīn devāṁś ca bhārgavaḥ | pāvanaṁ yat paraṁ nṛṇām ugre karmaṇi vartatām ||
The Bhārgava questioned the sages accomplished in the āgamas and the gods: “What is the supreme purification for men who are engaged in fierce deeds?” Thus asked, the great seers—knowers of the Vedas and the śāstras—spoke as follows.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical inquiry: even those involved in severe or violent duties should seek the highest means of purification, and such guidance is to be sought from scripturally grounded sages and the divine—implying that dharma includes accountability and inner cleansing, not merely outward action.
After completing a major sacrifice with abundant gifts, Parashurama (the Bhargava) compassionately asks learned sages and the gods what is most purifying for people engaged in fierce deeds; the sages then begin their response in the subsequent passage.