Shloka 29
वानप्रस्थविधानेन तत्रापि कृतनिश्चयः तपस् तेपे यथान्यायम् इयाज स महीपतिः
vānaprasthavidhānena tatrāpi kṛtaniścayaḥ tapas tepe yathānyāyam iyāja sa mahīpatiḥ
There too, firmly resolved, the king adopted the discipline of the forest-dweller (vānaprastha). In due measure he practiced austerities and offered sacrifices according to sacred rule.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: How the king practiced vānaprastha—tapas and sacrifices according to rule
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: authoritative
Concept: Vānaprastha is not mere withdrawal but disciplined practice: tapas and yajña performed in proper measure and according to sacred injunctions.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Adopt measured discipline—regular study, fasting or restraint as suitable, and consistent worship—avoiding extremes while keeping practice rule-guided.
Vishishtadvaita: Supports the Viśiṣṭādvaita emphasis that embodied practice (karma and upāsanā) can be sanctified as service within the Lord’s real world-order.
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
This verse presents vānaprastha as a regulated, dharmic transition where renunciation is not abandonment of order but a disciplined life of austerity and properly performed sacrifice.
By showing the king as firm in resolve and obedient to śāstric procedure—practising tapas and performing yajña “as is proper,” meaning governance and spirituality are anchored in dharma, not personal whim.
Though Vishnu is not named in this line, the Purana frames dharma—āśrama duties, sacrifice, and self-discipline—as participation in cosmic order sustained by the Supreme, ultimately oriented toward Vishnu as the ground of sovereignty and right living.