Mahabharata 9.40.32 — Shalya Parva, Adhyaya 40, Shloka 32
Baka Dālbhya at Avakīrṇa-tīrtha: Rāṣṭra-kṣaya and Release through Prasāda (Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 40)
अददान्मुदितो राजन् पूजयित्वा द्विजोत्तमान् | ययौ राजंस्ततो रामो बकस्याश्रममन्तिकात् । यत्र तेपे तपस्तीव्रं दाल्भ्यो बक इति श्रुति:
adadān mudito rājan pūjayitvā dvijottamān | yayau rājaṃs tato rāmo bakasyāśramam antikāt | yatra tepe tapas tīvraṃ dālbhyō baka iti śrutiḥ ||
Waiśaṃpāyana berkata: Wahai raja, dengan hati bersukacita Rāma memberi dana dan, setelah memuliakan para dvija yang utama, ia pun berangkat dari sekitar āśrama Baka. Di sanalah, menurut tradisi yang didengar, Dālbhyā Baka menjalani tapa yang sangat berat.
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharma through two linked virtues: dāna (generous giving) and pūjā (reverent honoring) of worthy brāhmaṇas, followed by remembrance of tapas as a source of spiritual authority. Ethical excellence is shown not only in power or travel, but in respectful conduct and support of ascetic life.
After giving gifts and honoring eminent brāhmaṇas, Rāma departs from near Baka’s hermitage. The narrator adds a traditional note that this is the place where the sage Baka of the Dālbhyā lineage practiced intense austerities.
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