Shloka 107
युधिष्ठिरस्य अर्जुनप्रेषण-युक्तिवर्णनम् | Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rationale for Sending Arjuna and Request to Dhaumya
तैर्थिकं भुज्जते यस्तु मणिनागस्थ भारत । दष्टस्याशीविषेणापि न तस्य क्रमते विषम्
tairthikaṁ bhujjate yas tu maṇināgastha bhārata | daṣṭasyāśīviṣeṇāpi na tasya kramate viṣam ||
Ghūlastya berkata: “Wahai Bhārata, siapa pun yang tinggal di dekat Nāga bermata permata itu dan menyantap santapan suci seorang peziarah—meski ia digigit ular berbisa mematikan, racunnya tidak akan menguasainya.”
घुलस्त्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse asserts the protective efficacy of tīrtha-associated sanctity: participation in sacred observances (here symbolized by ‘tairthika’ fare) and proximity to a powerful, auspicious presence (the jewel-bearing Nāga) is said to neutralize even grave harm like snake-venom. Ethically, it reinforces confidence in dharmic practices and the safeguarding power attributed to holy disciplines.
Ghūlastya addresses a ‘Bhārata’ and describes a remarkable boon: a person who partakes of pilgrim/holy fare while residing with the Maṇināga is immune to the effects of poison, even after being bitten by a deadly serpent. The statement functions as a testimonial of extraordinary protection within the episode’s discussion of tīrthas and their powers.