Shloka 59
Puṣkara-Śapatha Itihāsa (Agastya–Indra Dispute at the Tīrthas) | पुष्कर-शपथ-आख्यानम्
अथापश्यन् सुपीनांसपाणिपादमुखोदरम् । परिव्रजन्तं स्थूलांगं परिव्राजं शुना सह
athāpaśyan supīnān sa-pāṇi-pāda-mukha-udaram | parivrajantaṁ sthūlāṅgaṁ parivrājaṁ śunā saha ||
तब उन महर्षियों ने देखा कि एक संन्यासी कुत्ते के साथ इधर-उधर विचर रहा है। उसका शरीर बहुत स्थूल था; कंधे, हाथ, पैर, मुख, उदर आदि सभी अंग सुन्दर और सुडौल थे।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse prepares an ethical lesson: external markers—such as the status of a renunciant or a pleasing, well-formed body—are not sufficient evidence of inner restraint and dharma. True righteousness is assessed by conduct, discipline, and intention rather than appearance.
A group of sages notice a wandering mendicant moving about with a dog. He is described as stout yet well-proportioned in all limbs. This descriptive moment introduces a character whose later actions or examination will clarify the standards of genuine renunciation.