Shloka 35
Śrāddha-Kalpa: Pitṛ-Pūjā and Tithi-Phala (श्राद्धकल्पः पितृपूजा च तिथिफलम्)
पप्रच्छागमसम्पन्नानूषीन् देवांश्व॒ भार्गव: । पावन यत् परं नृणामुग्रे कर्मणि वर्तताम्
Bhīṣma uvāca — papracchāgama-sampannān ṛṣīn devāṁś ca bhārgavaḥ | pāvanaṁ yat paraṁ nṛṇām ugre karmaṇi vartatām ||
Ang Bhārgava na si Parashurama ay nagtanong sa mga rishi na ganap sa kaalamang āgama at sa mga diyos: “Ano ang pinakadakilang paglilinis para sa mga taong namumuhay sa mabagsik na gawain?” Nang tanungin niya sila nang gayon, ang mga dakilang pantas na nakaaalam ng Veda at mga śāstra ay nagsalita nang ganito.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical inquiry: even those involved in severe or violent duties should seek the highest means of purification, and such guidance is to be sought from scripturally grounded sages and the divine—implying that dharma includes accountability and inner cleansing, not merely outward action.
After completing a major sacrifice with abundant gifts, Parashurama (the Bhargava) compassionately asks learned sages and the gods what is most purifying for people engaged in fierce deeds; the sages then begin their response in the subsequent passage.