Shloka 60
Puṣkara-Śapatha Itihāsa (Agastya–Indra Dispute at the Tīrthas) | पुष्कर-शपथ-आख्यानम्
अरुन्धती तु त॑ दृष्टवा सर्वांगोपचितं शुभम् | भवितारो भवन्तो वै नैवमित्यब्रवीदृूषीन्
Arundhatī tu taṁ dṛṣṭvā sarvāṅgopacitaṁ śubham | bhavitāro bhavanto vai naivam ity abravīd ṛṣīn ||
Dijo Bhishma: “Al ver a aquel asceta auspicioso, de cuerpo entero bien nutrido y radiante, Arundhatī se dirigió a los sabios y dijo: ‘¿No llegaréis nunca a ser como éste?’—desafiándolos a reflexionar sobre las verdaderas causas de la excelencia espiritual, más allá de la mera austeridad exterior.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral provocation: spiritual attainment is not measured only by the external signs of austerity. Arundhatī’s pointed question urges the sages to examine what truly produces excellence—right conduct, restraint, and inner purity—rather than assuming that harsh practices alone define holiness.
Within Bhīṣma’s discourse, Arundhatī sees an auspicious, well-nourished-looking ascetic and addresses the assembled sages. Her remark—framed as a challenge—invites comparison and reflection, setting up a discussion about the nature of tapas, merit, and the marks of genuine dharma.