Adhyāya 90: Babhruvāhana’s Reception and the Commencement of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Aśvamedha
देह: प्राणश्न धर्मश्न शुश्रूषार्थमिदं गुरो: । तव विप्र प्रसादेन लोकान् प्राप्स्यामहे शुभान्
dehaḥ prāṇaś ca dharmaś ca śuśrūṣārtham idaṃ guroḥ | tava vipra prasādena lokān prāpsyāmahe śubhān ||
मेरा यह शरीर, प्राण और धर्म—सब कुछ बड़ों और गुरुओं की सेवा के लिए ही है। विप्रवर! आपके प्रसाद से हमें उत्तम लोकों की प्राप्ति होगी।
श्षशुर उवाच
The verse teaches that one’s body, life-force, and moral duty find their highest use in respectful service to elders and teachers; such humility and service, supported by a brāhmaṇa’s blessing, is presented as a cause of spiritual merit and attainment of auspicious realms.
A speaker (identified as “the father-in-law”) expresses devotion and submission, declaring that his very life and dharma are dedicated to serving the guru/elders, and he acknowledges that the brāhmaṇa’s favor or blessing will enable the attainment of blessed worlds.