Shloka 23
Janamejaya’s Appeal for Pacification and Śaunaka’s Counsel on Humility (जनमेजय-शौनक संवादः)
ततः कृतप्रतिज्ञो वै स पक्षी प्रहसन्निव । तमननिं त्रि:परिक्रम्य प्रविवेश महामति:,ऐसा कहकर अतिथि-पूजनकी प्रतिज्ञा करके उस परम बुद्धिमान् पक्षीने तीन बार अग्निदेवकी परिक्रमा की, और हँसते हुए-से आगमें प्रवेश किया
tataḥ kṛtapratijño vai sa pakṣī prahasan iva | tam agniṃ triḥ parikramya praviveśa mahāmatiḥ ||
Then that bird, having firmly made his vow of honoring the guest, seemed to smile. Circumambulating Agni three times, the great-minded one entered the fire—upholding his pledged word and placing dharma above his own life.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the supremacy of dharma expressed as fidelity to one’s vow—especially the duty of honoring a guest (atithi-dharma). The bird chooses self-sacrifice rather than breaking a pledged commitment, presenting truthfulness and steadfastness as ethical ideals.
After making a solemn promise connected with guest-honoring, the bird reverentially circumambulates Agni three times and then enters the fire, appearing almost cheerful—signaling resolute acceptance of the consequences of his vow.