Ānṛśaṃsya–Bhakti: Śukaḥ Śakreṇa Parīkṣitaḥ
Compassion and Devotion—The Parrot Tested by Indra
तत:ः फलानि पत्राणि शाखाश्षापि मनोहरा: । शुकस्य दृढ्भत्तित्वात् श्रीमत्तां प्राप स द्रुम:
tataḥ phalāni patrāṇi śākhāś cāpi manoharāḥ | śukasya dṛḍha-bhaktitvāt śrīmatāṃ prāpa sa drumaḥ ||
मग त्यावर नवे-नवे पाने, फळे आणि मनोहर फांद्या फुटल्या. शुकाच्या दृढ भक्तीमुळे तो वृक्ष पूर्ववत् श्रीसमृद्ध झाला.
भीष्म उवाच
Steadfast devotion (dṛḍha-bhakti) has transformative power: it can revive what is diminished and restore śrī—prosperity, auspiciousness, and well-being—highlighting the ethical value of loyal, unwavering commitment.
Bhishma describes a tree that had lost its vitality; then new leaves, fruits, and beautiful branches emerge. This renewal occurs because of the parrot’s firm devotion, and the tree returns to its earlier splendor.