Shloka 81
Sarasvatī–Tārkṣya Saṃvāda: Agnihotra-vidhi, Dāna-phala, and Mokṣa-prasaṅga (सरस्वती–तार्क्ष्यसंवादः)
मनुष्यास्तप्ततपस: सर्वागमपरायणा: । स्थिरव्रता: सत्यपरा गुरुशुश्रूषणे रता:,ज्ञानी मनुष्य तपस्वी, सम्पूर्ण शास्त्रोंके स्वाध्यायमें तत्पर, स्थिरतापूर्वक व्रतका पालन करनेवाले, सत्यपरायण, गुरुसेवामें संलग्न, सुशील, शुक्ताजातीय (सात््विक), क्षमाशील, जितेन्द्रिय और अत्यन्त तेजस्वी होते हैं। वे शुद्ध योनिमें जन्म लेते और प्राय: शुभ लक्षणोंसे सुशोभित होते हैं
manuṣyās taptatapasaḥ sarvāgamaparāyaṇāḥ | sthiravratāḥ satyaparā guruśuśrūṣaṇe ratāḥ ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “Such people—men who have undergone the heat of austerity, who are devoted to the whole body of sacred learning, who keep their vows with steadfastness, who are committed to truth, and who delight in serving their teacher—become wise and disciplined. They are born in pure lineages and are, for the most part, adorned with auspicious marks, shining with self-control, forbearance, and inner radiance.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises a dharmic ideal: sustained austerity, comprehensive study of sacred tradition, steadfast vows, unwavering truthfulness, and devoted service to one’s teacher together cultivate wisdom, self-mastery, and moral radiance, leading to an auspicious and ‘pure’ life-course.
Mārkaṇḍeya is describing the qualities and outcomes of exemplary humans—those who live by tapas, śāstric learning, satya, and guru-sevā—framing ethical discipline as the cause of inner brilliance and auspiciousness.