Shloka 4
नातप्ततपसा शकयो द्रष्टं नानाहिताग्निना । स लोक कक गं नापि युद्धे पराड्मुखै:,जिन्होंने तपस्या नहीं की है, जो अग्निहोत्रसे दूर रहे हैं तथा जिन्होंने युद्धमें पीठ दिखा दी है, वैसे लोग पुण्यात्माओंके उस लोकका दर्शन भी नहीं कर सकते
nā-tapta-tapasā śakyo draṣṭuṁ nānāhita-agninā | sa lokaḥ kaṁ gaṁ nāpi yuddhe parāṅmukhaiḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: That blessed realm cannot be beheld by one who has not undergone austerity, nor by one who has not maintained the sacred fires; and those who turn their backs in battle do not attain it either. The verse frames access to a higher, meritorious world as conditioned by disciplined self-restraint, faithful performance of Vedic duties, and steadfast courage in righteous combat.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that higher spiritual or meritorious attainment is linked to disciplined living: (1) tapas (austerity/self-control), (2) fidelity to prescribed sacred duties such as maintaining the ritual fires, and (3) steadfastness and honor in battle—condemning cowardly retreat as ethically disqualifying.
Vaiśampāyana is describing qualifications for reaching or even beholding a virtuous realm. He contrasts the conduct of the disciplined and dutiful with those who neglect austerity and Vedic rites or who turn away in battle, stating that such people do not gain access to that exalted world.