युधिष्ठिरस्य अर्जुनप्रेषण-युक्तिवर्णनम् | Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rationale for Sending Arjuna and Request to Dhaumya
तैर्थिकं भुज्जते यस्तु मणिनागस्थ भारत । दष्टस्याशीविषेणापि न तस्य क्रमते विषम्
tairthikaṁ bhujjate yas tu maṇināgastha bhārata | daṣṭasyāśīviṣeṇāpi na tasya kramate viṣam ||
घूलस्त्य म्हणाले— हे भारत! जो मणिनागाच्या सान्निध्यात राहून तीर्थयात्रीचे पवित्र अन्न सेवन करतो, त्याला भयंकर विषारी सर्पाने दंश केला तरी त्याच्यावर विषाचा परिणाम होत नाही.
घुलस्त्य उवाच
The verse asserts the protective efficacy of tīrtha-associated sanctity: participation in sacred observances (here symbolized by ‘tairthika’ fare) and proximity to a powerful, auspicious presence (the jewel-bearing Nāga) is said to neutralize even grave harm like snake-venom. Ethically, it reinforces confidence in dharmic practices and the safeguarding power attributed to holy disciplines.
Ghūlastya addresses a ‘Bhārata’ and describes a remarkable boon: a person who partakes of pilgrim/holy fare while residing with the Maṇināga is immune to the effects of poison, even after being bitten by a deadly serpent. The statement functions as a testimonial of extraordinary protection within the episode’s discussion of tīrthas and their powers.