Shloka 31
Ārṣṭiṣeṇa’s Siddhi and the Tīrtha-Boons; Sindhudvīpa–Devāpi Brāhmaṇya; Viśvāmitra’s Tapas Begins
स तैः पुत्रैस्तदा धीमानानीतो वै सरस्वतीम् । पुण्यां तीर्थशतोपेतां विप्रसड्घैर्निषेविताम्
sa taiḥ putrais tadā dhīmān ānīto vai sarasvatīm | puṇyāṃ tīrthaśatopetāṃ viprasaṅghair niṣevitām ||
Then that wise man was led by his sons to the river Sarasvatī—holy, adorned with hundreds of sacred fords, and frequented by assemblies of Brahmin sages. The narrative underscores a movement from worldly turmoil toward sanctifying spaces, where guidance, remembrance of dharma, and purification are sought through contact with revered tīrthas and the company of the learned.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical value of turning toward sacred places and the company of the learned (viprasaṅgha) for purification and right orientation—suggesting that dharma is strengthened through tīrtha-sevā and guidance from those grounded in śāstra and tapas.
A wise man is being escorted by his sons to the holy river Sarasvatī, described as rich in many tīrthas and regularly visited by groups of brāhmaṇas—setting the scene for events connected with pilgrimage, sanctification, or counsel in a sacred setting.