Shloka 26
Omens and Consolation after Loss; Reaffirmation of the Saindhava Punishment Vow (उत्पात-दर्शनम्, आश्वासन-वाक्यानि, प्रतिज्ञा-स्थैर्यम्)
पुष्करेष्वथ गोकर्णे नैमिषे मलये तथा । अपाकर्षत् स्वकं देहं नियमैर्मानसप्रियै:,तदनन्तर पुष्कर, गोकर्ण, नैमिषारण्य तथा मलयाचलके तीर्थोमें रहकर मनको प्रिय लगनेवाले नियमोंद्वारा उसने अपने शरीरको अत्यन्त क्षीण कर दिया
puṣkareṣv atha gokarṇe naimiṣe malaye tathā | apākarṣat svakaṃ dehaṃ niyamair mānasapriyaiḥ ||
पुष्करेष्वथ गोकर्णे नैमिषे मलये तथा । अपाकर्षत् स्वकं देहं नियमैर्मानसप्रियैः ॥
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores tapas through niyama: disciplined observances, willingly embraced, can subdue bodily demands and strengthen inner purpose. It presents self-restraint—especially when supported by sacred settings—as a dharmic means to spiritual attainment.
Nārada narrates that a person undertook austerities while staying at major tīrthas—Puṣkara, Gokarṇa, Naimiṣa, and Malaya—practicing mind-pleasing vows and disciplines that caused his body to become extremely emaciated.