Shloka 20
Āścarya-kathana: Brāhmaṇa–Nāga Dialogue on Sūrya (Vivasvat) and the ‘Second Sun’ Phenomenon
सुपर्णो नाम तमृषि: प्राप्तवान् पुरुषोत्तमात् । तपसा वै सुतप्तेन दमेन नियमेन च,सुपर्ण नामक ऋषिने इन्द्रियसंयम और मनोनिग्रह-पूर्वक भलीभाँति तपस्या करके भगवान् पुरुषोत्तमसे इस धर्मको प्राप्त किया
suparṇo nāma tam ṛṣiḥ prāptavān puruṣottamāt | tapasā vai sutaptena damena niyamena ca ||
वैशंपायन म्हणाले— सुपर्ण नावाच्या ऋषींनी उत्तम प्रकारे केलेल्या तपश्चर्येने, इंद्रियनिग्रह (दम) व नियम यांच्या साहाय्याने पुरुषोत्तमाकडून तो धर्म प्राप्त केला।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is authentically attained through disciplined spiritual practice—tapas supported by dama (sense-restraint) and niyama (regulated conduct). The verse presents inner mastery as the ethical foundation for receiving higher teaching from the Supreme.
Vaiśampāyana reports an exemplum: the sage Suparṇa received a particular dharma/teaching from Puruṣottama, and the means of attainment is specified—intense austerity together with restraint and observance—thereby validating the teaching’s authority and the required qualifications.