Shloka 59
Puṣkara-Śapatha Itihāsa (Agastya–Indra Dispute at the Tīrthas) | पुष्कर-शपथ-आख्यानम्
अथापश्यन् सुपीनांसपाणिपादमुखोदरम् । परिव्रजन्तं स्थूलांगं परिव्राजं शुना सह,एक दिन उन महर्षियोंने देखा, एक संन्यासी कुत्तेके साथ वहाँ इधर-उधर विचर रहा है। उसका शरीर बहुत मोटा था। उसके मोटे कंधे, हाथ, पैर, मुख और पेट आदि सभी अंग सुन्दर और सुडौल थे
athāpaśyan supīnān sa-pāṇi-pāda-mukha-udaram | parivrajantaṁ sthūlāṅgaṁ parivrājaṁ śunā saha ||
Bhishma said: “Then those sages saw a wandering renunciant, accompanied by a dog, moving about here and there. His body was very stout; his shoulders, hands, feet, face, belly, and other limbs were all handsome and well-proportioned. The scene sets a moral contrast: outward marks of renunciation, and even physical comeliness, do not by themselves prove inner discipline; it invites inquiry into what true dharma in ascetic life really is.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse prepares an ethical lesson: external markers—such as the status of a renunciant or a pleasing, well-formed body—are not sufficient evidence of inner restraint and dharma. True righteousness is assessed by conduct, discipline, and intention rather than appearance.
A group of sages notice a wandering mendicant moving about with a dog. He is described as stout yet well-proportioned in all limbs. This descriptive moment introduces a character whose later actions or examination will clarify the standards of genuine renunciation.