Shloka 11
अध्याय ९० — लोमशोपदेशः तथा तीर्थयात्रानिश्चयः
Lomaśa’s Counsel and the Resolve for Pilgrimage
दृषद्वती महापुण्या यत्र ख्याता युधिष्ठिर । न्यग्रोधाख्यस्तु पुण्याख्य: पाज्चाल्यो द्विपदां वर
Dṛṣadvatī mahāpuṇyā yatra khyātā Yudhiṣṭhira | nyagrodhākhyas tu puṇyākhyaḥ Pāñcālyo dvipadāṃ vara ||
Dhaumya berkata: “Wahai Yudhiṣṭhira, sungai Dṛṣadvatī amat suci dan termasyhur. Di sana pula ada pohon beringin keramat bernama Nyagrodha, terkenal karena kesuciannya; dan di sana ada pula seorang Pāñcāla, yang utama di antara manusia.”
धौम्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes the ethical and spiritual value of sacred places and holy landmarks: remembrance and visitation of renowned tīrthas (like the Dṛṣadvatī) and venerable symbols (like the nyagrodha) are presented as supports for cultivating puṇya and steadiness in dharma.
Dhaumya, acting as guide and priest, points out to Yudhiṣṭhira a celebrated sacred region associated with the Dṛṣadvatī river, mentioning a famed holy banyan and a notable person from Pāñcāla, situating the Pāṇḍavas’ journey within a map of revered sites and figures.