Shloka 12
Parīkṣit’s Vow on the Gaṅgā and the Advent of Śukadeva Gosvāmī
सुखोपविष्टेष्वथ तेषु भूय: कृतप्रणाम: स्वचिकीर्षितं यत् । विज्ञापयामास विविक्तचेता उपस्थितोऽग्रेऽभिगृहीतपाणि: ॥ १२ ॥
sukhopaviṣṭeṣv atha teṣu bhūyaḥ kṛta-praṇāmaḥ sva-cikīrṣitaṁ yat vijñāpayām āsa vivikta-cetā upasthito ’gre ’bhigṛhīta-pāṇiḥ
ಎಲ್ಲ ಋಷಿಗಳು ಸುಖವಾಗಿ ಕುಳಿತ ನಂತರ, ರಾಜನು ಮತ್ತೆ ಪ್ರಣಾಮ ಮಾಡಿ, ಏಕಾಗ್ರಚಿತ್ತನಾಗಿ ಅವರ ಮುಂದೆ ಕೈಮುಗಿದು ನಿಂತು ತನ್ನ ನಿರ್ಧಾರವನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸಿದನು—ಮರಣದವರೆಗೆ ಉಪವಾಸ ಮಾಡುವೆನು ಎಂದು।
Although the King had already decided to fast until death on the bank of the Ganges, he humbly expressed his decision to elicit the opinions of the great authorities present there. Any important decision, however firmly fixed, should be confirmed by some authority. That makes the matter perfect. This means that the monarchs who ruled the earth in those days were not irresponsible dictators. They scrupulously followed the authoritative decisions of the saints and sages in terms of Vedic injunction. Mahārāja Parīkṣit, as a perfect king, followed the principles by consulting the authorities, even up to the last days of his life.
FAQs
This verse shows the ideal approach—offer obeisances, stand respectfully with folded hands, and clearly submit one’s sincere purpose before saintly persons.
Because he recognized their spiritual authority and, with a detached and focused mind, sought to communicate his intended course of action in a mood of humility and surrender.
Before seeking advice—especially on life’s biggest questions—approach qualified mentors respectfully, calm the mind, and present your real intention honestly rather than arguing or demanding.