Shloka 20
Śibi’s Weighing of Dharma
The Hawk and the Dove Trial) — शिबेर्धर्मतुला (श्येन-कपोतोक्तिः
वितस्तां पश्य राजेन्द्र सर्वपापप्रमोचनीम् । महर्षिभिश्चाध्युषितां शीततोयां सुनिर्मलाम्,राजेन्द्र! वितस्ता (झेलम) नदीका दर्शन करो जो सब पापोंसे मुक्त करनेवाली है। इसका जल बहुत शीतल और अत्यन्त निर्मल है। इसके तटपर बहुत-से महर्षिगण निवास करते हैं
vitastāṃ paśya rājendra sarvapāpapramocanīm | maharṣibhiś cādhyuṣitāṃ śītato yāṃ sunirmalām ||
Lomaśa berkata: “Lihatlah, wahai raja yang terbaik, Vitastā—sungai yang membebaskan daripada segala dosa. Airnya sejuk dan amat jernih, dan tebing-tebingnya didiami para mahārṣi.”
लोगश उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sacred places and the company of sages are presented as supports for inner purification: approaching pure waters and holy communities symbolizes turning away from wrongdoing and renewing one’s commitment to dharma.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ forest journey, the sage Lomaśa points out the river Vitastā to Yudhiṣṭhira, praising its purifying power, cool clear waters, and the presence of many great seers along its banks.