Shloka 39
Kapālamocana-tīrtha (Auśanasa) and Balarāma’s Sarasvatī Pilgrimage
पुरा मड़कणक: सिद्धः कुशाग्रेणेति न: श्रुतम् क्षत: किल करे राज॑स्तस्य शाकरसो5स्रवत्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | purā maṅkaṇakaḥ siddhaḥ kuśāgreṇeti naḥ śrutam | kṣataḥ kila kare rājan tasya śākaraṣo 'sravat ||
ବୈଶମ୍ପାୟନ କହିଲେ—ହେ ରାଜନ, ଆମେ ଶୁଣିଛୁ ଯେ ପୁରାତନ କାଳରେ ସିଦ୍ଧ ମୁନି ମଙ୍କଣକଙ୍କ ହାତ କୁଶଘାସର ଅଗ୍ରଭାଗରେ ଛିଦ୍ରିତ ହୋଇଥିଲା। ସେଇ ଘାଉରୁ ରକ୍ତ ନୁହେଁ—ଶାକର ରସ ହିଁ ବହିଥିଲା ବୋଲି କୁହାଯାଏ।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up an exemplum about ascetic attainment and the danger of becoming elated by extraordinary signs; even unusual powers or marvels are not the final measure of spiritual maturity, which requires steadiness and humility.
Vaiśampāyana recounts a traditional report: the sage Maṅkaṇaka was pricked by the tip of kuśa grass, and from his hand flowed vegetable sap instead of blood—an omen-like marvel that introduces the ensuing episode.