Shloka 15
Ajagara-vrata (The ‘Python’ Discipline): Prahrāda Questions a Wandering Sage
विश्वलेदेवा: सपितर: साग्नयश्नोपकल्पिता: । विलिप्ता: पुष्पवन्तश्न सुप्रचारा: सुपूजिता: । व्यराजन्त महाराज नक्षत्रपतयो यथा
viśve devāḥ sa-pitaraḥ sāgnayaś copakalpitāḥ | viliptāḥ puṣpavantaś ca supracārāḥ supūjitāḥ | vyarājanta mahārāja nakṣatrapatayo yathā ||
Wahai Maharaja, Virūpākṣa melayani para brahmana itu dengan memandang mereka sebagai perwujudan para Viśvedevas, para Pitṛ, dan Agni. Ia mengoleskan pasta cendana, mengalungkan rangkaian bunga, dan memuja mereka dengan tata cara yang indah dan tepat. Duduk di tempat duduk mereka, para brahmana itu bersinar cemerlang—laksana Sang Bulan, penguasa bintang-bintang.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores dharma through proper honoring of Brāhmaṇas and ritual guests, seeing them as worthy representatives of divine and ancestral principles (Viśvedevas, Pitṛs, Agni). Ethical kingship is shown in reverent service—cleanliness, adornment, and correct procedure—rather than mere display.
Bhīṣma describes a scene where Brāhmaṇas are ceremonially received: they are anointed with sandal paste, given flower garlands, worshipped according to proper rites, and seated on prepared seats. Their dignified presence is compared to the Moon shining among the stars.