Shloka 93
Kurukṣetra–Samantapañcaka Māhātmya: King Kuru’s Ploughing and Indra’s Boon (प्रजापतेरुत्तरवेदिः समन्तपञ्चकं)
वार्थकेन च राजेन्द्र तपसा चैव कर्शिता । राजेन्द्र! परिश्रमसे थक जानेपर भी वह अपने-आपको कृतार्थ मानती रही। धीरे-धीरे बुढ़ापा और तपस्याने उसे दुर्बल बना दिया
vārthakena ca rājendra tapasā caiva karśitā |
राजेंद्र! वाढते वय आणि तपस्या—या दोन्हींनी ती क्षीण झाली. परिश्रमाने थकूनही ती स्वतःला कृतार्थ मानीत राहिली; हळूहळू जरा आणि तपस्येमुळे ती दुर्बल झाली।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfastness: one may pursue tapas and duty with inner contentment, yet the body remains subject to decline. It implicitly balances spiritual resolve with recognition of human limitation.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes a woman’s condition to the king: she has continued her austere practice and effort, feeling inwardly accomplished, but over time age and ascetic hardship have made her physically weak.