Shloka 8
Brāhmaṇa-pūjā and Namaskāra: Criteria of Reverence and Non-Offense (ब्राह्मणपूजा-नमस्कारविधिः)
गोरोचनासमालम्भो वचाहस्तश्न यो भवेत् । घृताक्षतं च यो दद्यान्मस्तके तत्परायण:
gorocanā-samālambho vacā-hastaś ca yo bhavet | ghṛtākṣataṃ ca yo dadyān mastake tat-parāyaṇaḥ ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Ang sinumang nagpapahid sa katawan ng gorocanā, may hawak na vacā sa kamay, at taimtim sa ritwal na naglalagay sa ulo ng akṣata (buong butil na bigas) na hinaluan ng ghee—ang taong iyon ay nagsasagawa ng mapalad at pananggalang na pagtalima.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights simple auspicious substances—gorocanā, vacā, and ghṛtākṣata—as ritual supports for protection and благоприятность (śubha). The ethical emphasis is on focused, sincere observance (tat-parāyaṇa), suggesting that devotion and careful intent give efficacy to outward acts.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma continues instructing on dharma and observances. Here he describes a specific auspicious procedure: anointing with gorocanā, holding vacā, and placing ghee-mixed unbroken grains on the head as part of a protective/benedictory rite.