Shloka 396
Śrāddha-Kalpa: Pitṛ-Pūjā and Tithi-Phala (श्राद्धकल्पः पितृपूजा च तिथिफलम्)
केन वा कर्मयोगेन प्रदानेनेह केन वा । “और वे महाज्ञानी महर्षिगण जो कुछ बतावें
kena vā karmayogena pradānena iha kena vā | “aur ve mahājñānī maharṣigaṇa jo kiñcit batāveṃ, usīkā prasannatāpūrvaka pālana karo” | tataḥ mahātejasvī bhṛgunandanaḥ paraśurāmaḥ vasiṣṭha-nārada-agastya-kaśyapān upagamya papraccha—“vipravarāḥ! ahaṃ pavitro bhavitum icchāmi; brūta, katham kena karmānuṣṭhānena athavā kena dānena pavitro bhaveyam?”
Bhishma said: “By what discipline of action, or by what gift given here, does one become purified?” Following the counsel that whatever the great, wise seers prescribe should be accepted and practiced with glad willingness, the radiant descendant of Bhrigu—Parashurama—approached Vasishtha, Narada, Agastya, and Kashyapa and asked: “Foremost among brahmins, I wish to become pure. Tell me: by performing what kind of rite or duty, or by offering what kind of charity, may I attain purification?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Purification is sought through two classic dharmic means: disciplined right action (karmayoga/karmānuṣṭhāna) and selfless giving (dāna). Equally emphasized is the ethical attitude of humility—accepting the guidance of realized sages and practicing it willingly and joyfully.
In Bhishma’s discourse, the story turns to Parashurama, who—desiring purification—approaches renowned seers (Vasishtha, Narada, Agastya, Kashyapa) and asks what specific duties or charitable acts can cleanse and elevate him.