Shloka 21
ध्रुवस्य तपः — देवमायाविघ्नाः, विष्णोर्दर्शनम्, स्तुतिः, ध्रुवस्थानप्रदानम्
परित्यजति वत्साद्य यद्य् एतन् न भवांस् तपः त्यक्ष्याम्य् अहम् अपि प्राणांस् ततो वै पश्यतस् तव
parityajati vatsādya yady etan na bhavāṃs tapaḥ tyakṣyāmy aham api prāṇāṃs tato vai paśyatas tava
「もしそなたがこの苦行を捨てぬなら――我が子さえ捨てることから始まるこの捨離を――わたしもまた命の息を捨てよう。しかもそれは、そなたの目の前で。」
A determined interlocutor within the dynastic narrative (a spouse/close family member addressing an ascetic-minded figure); framed overall by Sage Parāśara narrating to Maitreya
FAQs
The verse portrays tapas as a severe resolve that can demand the renunciation of even the dearest attachments; it also highlights the ethical and emotional tensions such austerity can create within family life.
Through vivid interpersonal dialogue inside lineage narratives, Parāśara shows how vows and ascetic impulses are tested by relational responsibilities, making dharma a lived, consequential choice rather than an abstract rule.
Even when Vishnu is not named in a given verse, the Purana’s dynastic episodes function as dharma-instruction under Vishnu’s sovereign order—implying that right conduct and restraint ultimately align with the Supreme Reality that sustains the world.