Shloka 2.54.31
भरद्वाजाश्रमप्राप्तिः — Arrival at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage and Counsel toward Citrakūṭa
ऋषयस्तत्र बहवो विहृत्य शरदां शतम्।तपसा दिवमारूढाः कपालशिरसा सह।।।।
ṛṣayas tatra bahavo vihṛtya śaradāṁ śatam |
tapasā divam ārūḍhāḥ kapālaśirasā saha || 2.54.31 ||
There many sages lived and wandered for a hundred autumns; by the power of austerity they ascended to heaven—so wasted away that they seemed nothing but skull-headed.
On the Chitrakuta mountain many ascetics wandered about (lived) for hundreds of years carrying on penance. In the process they became so much emaciated that they looked as if they were left (only) with the skulls on their heads. (In the end) they ascended heaven.
Dharma includes self-discipline and sacrifice: sustained tapas (austerity) is portrayed as a legitimate path to spiritual elevation and inner purification.
The narrative describes Citrakūṭa as a long-standing abode of ascetics and highlights the intensity of their penance.
Austerity and steadfastness—enduring long years of disciplined practice for higher spiritual ends.