Shloka 16
Adharma’s Short-Lived Prosperity and the Restorative Path of Tīrtha (लोमश–युधिष्ठिर संवादः)
यच्च मां भगवानाह तीर्थानां दर्शन प्रति । धौम्यस्य वचनादेषा बुद्धि: पूर्व कृतेव मे
yac ca māṁ bhagavān āha tīrthānāṁ darśana-prati | dhaumyasyā vacanād eṣā buddhiḥ pūrva-kṛteva me ||
யுதிஷ்டிரன் கூறினான்—புனிதத் தீர்த்தங்களைத் தரிசிப்பது குறித்து பகவான் எனக்குச் சொன்னதும் முற்றிலும் பொருத்தமானதே. தௌம்யரின் அறிவுரையாலேயே இந்தத் தீர்மானம் எனக்குள் முன்பே எழுந்தது; அது முன்கர்மத்தால் நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டதுபோல் உள்ளது.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that righteous resolve (buddhi) is strengthened by guidance from a trusted spiritual authority (Dhaumya) and is also seen as connected to one’s prior actions (pūrva-kṛta), suggesting that dharmic choices arise from both good counsel and accumulated merit.
Yudhiṣṭhira explains the basis for his intention to undertake or support a pilgrimage to sacred tīrthas: it aligns with what a revered figure has said about visiting tīrthas, and his determination has been shaped by Dhaumya’s instruction, feeling as if it were already settled by earlier destiny or deeds.