Shloka 20
भीष्मस्वप्न-स्मृत्युपाख्यानम् | Bhīṣma’s Dream-Linked Recollection of the Paraśurāma Combat
निराहारा कृशा रुक्षा जटिला मलपड़्किनी । षण्मासान् वायुभक्षा च स्थाणुभूता तपोधना,उसने भोजन छोड़ दिया, वह दुबली तथा रुक्ष हो गयी। सिरपर केशोंकी जटा बन गयी। शरीरमें मैल और कीचड़ जम गयी। वह तपोधना कन्या छ: महीनोंतक केवल वायु पीकर दढूँठे काठकी भाँति निश्चलभावसे खड़ी रही
nirāhārā kṛśā rukṣā jaṭilā malapaṅkinī | ṣaṇmāsān vāyubhakṣā ca sthāṇubhūtā tapodhanā ||
Ela renunciou a todo alimento; tornou-se emagrecida e ressequida. Seus cabelos se emaranharam em jatas, e o corpo ficou coberto de imundície e lama. Aquela donzela, rica em mérito ascético, viveu seis meses apenas de ar, imóvel como um toco de árvore.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights tapas as moral power: disciplined renunciation and steadfastness can embody commitment to one’s chosen dharma, showing how inner resolve is expressed through self-restraint.
Rāma describes a maiden undertaking severe austerities—fasting completely, becoming physically worn, and standing unmoving for six months while subsisting only on air—emphasizing the intensity of her vow and determination.