Shloka 436
Adhyāya 208: Aṅgirasī-kanyāḥ
Enumeration of Aṅgiras’ daughters and attribute-names
सम्प्रतस्थे स मिथिलां कौतूहलसमन्वित: । मन-ही-मन ऐसा निश्चय करके वह कौतूहलवश मिथिलापुरीकी ओर चल दिया। पतिव्रता स्त्री बगुली पक्षीवाली घटना स्वयं जान गयी थी और उसने धर्मानुकूल शुभ वचनोंद्वारा उपदेश दिया था, इन कारणोंसे उसकी बातोंपर कौशिक ब्राह्मणकी बड़ी श्रद्धा हो गयी थी
sampratasthe sa mithilāṁ kautūhalasamanvitaḥ |
Markandeya said: Then he set out for Mithilā, moved by curiosity. Having resolved inwardly, he proceeded toward the city. Since the devoted wife had already understood the episode involving the heron-like bird and had instructed him with auspicious words in accordance with dharma, the brāhmaṇa Kauśika developed deep faith in her counsel.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
True dharma can be recognized through conduct and right counsel, not merely through ascetic identity. The brāhmaṇa’s growing śraddhā shows that ethically grounded, auspicious instruction—even from a householder woman—can guide one toward clearer understanding of dharma.
After an inward resolve, Kauśika departs for Mithilā out of curiosity. He has been influenced by the pativratā woman’s dharma-aligned advice (connected with the earlier heron/baka incident), and this trust propels him toward Mithilā, a place associated with dharmic inquiry.