Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 423
Umā–Maheśvara-saṃvāda: Varṇa-bhraṃśa, Ācāra (Vṛtta), and Karmic Ascent/Decline
प्रदक्षिणमभ्रिक्रम्य सर्वे प्राजजलय: स्थिता: । भीष्मजी कहते हैं--राजन्! तदनन्तर महान् सौभाग्यशाली विश्वविख्यात वसिष्ठ आदि सभी सप्तर्षियोंने कमलयोनि ब्रह्माजीकी प्रदक्षिणा की और सब-के-सब हाथ जोड़कर उनके सामने खड़े हो गये
pradakṣiṇam abhrikramya sarve prāñjalayaḥ sthitāḥ |
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “O Hari! Pagkaraan niyon, ang lahat ng mga pantas—si Vasiṣṭha at ang iba pang pitong Ṛṣi na bantog sa daigdig at pinagpala nang dakila—ay umikot nang may paggalang (pradakṣiṇā) sa paligid ni Brahmā, ang isinilang sa lotus. Pagkatapos, na magkakapagdugtong ang mga palad, silang lahat ay tumindig sa harap Niya, taglay ang disiplinadong pagpapakumbaba at debosyon sa kaayusang kosmiko.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dhārmic conduct through reverence: approaching a worthy authority with humility, performing pradakṣiṇā, and standing with folded hands. It models disciplined respect for wisdom and cosmic order rather than pride or entitlement.
After a preceding event, Vasiṣṭha and the other Seven Ṛṣis approach Brahmā, circumambulate him as a mark of honor, and then stand before him with joined palms, ready to listen or receive instruction.