Shloka 12
Parīkṣit’s Vow on the Gaṅgā and the Advent of Śukadeva Gosvāmī
सुखोपविष्टेष्वथ तेषु भूय: कृतप्रणाम: स्वचिकीर्षितं यत् । विज्ञापयामास विविक्तचेता उपस्थितोऽग्रेऽभिगृहीतपाणि: ॥ १२ ॥
sukhopaviṣṭeṣv atha teṣu bhūyaḥ kṛta-praṇāmaḥ sva-cikīrṣitaṁ yat vijñāpayām āsa vivikta-cetā upasthito ’gre ’bhigṛhīta-pāṇiḥ
அனைத்து ரிஷிகளும் சௌகரியமாக அமர்ந்த பின், அரசன் மீண்டும் வணங்கி, தெளிந்த மனத்துடன் அவர்களின் முன் கைகூப்பி நின்று தன் தீர்மானத்தை அறிவித்தான்—மரணம் வரை உண்ணாவிரதம் இருப்பேன் என்று।
Although the King had already decided to fast until death on the bank of the Ganges, he humbly expressed his decision to elicit the opinions of the great authorities present there. Any important decision, however firmly fixed, should be confirmed by some authority. That makes the matter perfect. This means that the monarchs who ruled the earth in those days were not irresponsible dictators. They scrupulously followed the authoritative decisions of the saints and sages in terms of Vedic injunction. Mahārāja Parīkṣit, as a perfect king, followed the principles by consulting the authorities, even up to the last days of his life.
FAQs
This verse shows the ideal approach—offer obeisances, stand respectfully with folded hands, and clearly submit one’s sincere purpose before saintly persons.
Because he recognized their spiritual authority and, with a detached and focused mind, sought to communicate his intended course of action in a mood of humility and surrender.
Before seeking advice—especially on life’s biggest questions—approach qualified mentors respectfully, calm the mind, and present your real intention honestly rather than arguing or demanding.