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 ||
యుధిష్ఠిరుడు అన్నాడు—భగవంతుడు నాకు తీర్థదర్శనం గురించి చెప్పినదీ సముచితమే. ధౌమ్యుని ఉపదేశం వల్లనే ఈ నిర్ణయం నా మనసులో ముందే పుట్టింది; అది పూర్వకర్మవల్లే ఏర్పడినట్టుగా ఉంది.
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.