Mahabharata 9.40.32 — Shalya Parva, Adhyaya 40, Shloka 32
Baka Dālbhya at Avakīrṇa-tīrtha: Rāṣṭra-kṣaya and Release through Prasāda (Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 40)
अददान्मुदितो राजन् पूजयित्वा द्विजोत्तमान् | ययौ राजंस्ततो रामो बकस्याश्रममन्तिकात् । यत्र तेपे तपस्तीव्रं दाल्भ्यो बक इति श्रुति:
adadān mudito rājan pūjayitvā dvijottamān | yayau rājaṃs tato rāmo bakasyāśramam antikāt | yatra tepe tapas tīvraṃ dālbhyō baka iti śrutiḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana berkata: “Wahai raja, dengan hati gembira, Rāma mengurniakan sedekah dan, setelah memuliakan para dwija yang utama sebagaimana patut, baginda pun berangkat dari sekitar pertapaan Baka. Menurut tradisi, di sanalah Dālbhyā Baka menjalani tapa yang amat keras.”
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharma through two linked virtues: dāna (generous giving) and pūjā (reverent honoring) of worthy brāhmaṇas, followed by remembrance of tapas as a source of spiritual authority. Ethical excellence is shown not only in power or travel, but in respectful conduct and support of ascetic life.
After giving gifts and honoring eminent brāhmaṇas, Rāma departs from near Baka’s hermitage. The narrator adds a traditional note that this is the place where the sage Baka of the Dālbhyā lineage practiced intense austerities.
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