Shloka 60
Puṣkara-Śapatha Itihāsa (Agastya–Indra Dispute at the Tīrthas) | पुष्कर-शपथ-आख्यानम्
अरुन्धती तु त॑ दृष्टवा सर्वांगोपचितं शुभम् | भवितारो भवन्तो वै नैवमित्यब्रवीदृूषीन्
Arundhatī tu taṁ dṛṣṭvā sarvāṅgopacitaṁ śubham | bhavitāro bhavanto vai naivam ity abravīd ṛṣīn ||
Sinabi ni Bhishma: “Nang makita ni Arundhatī ang ascetic na yaon—na ang buong katawan ay tila busog sa lakas at nagniningning—sinabi niya sa mga rishi: ‘Hindi ba kayo kailanman magiging tulad nito?’—isang hamon upang pagnilayan ang tunay na pinagmumulan ng kahusayan sa espiritu, at hindi lamang ang panlabas na austeridad.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral provocation: spiritual attainment is not measured only by the external signs of austerity. Arundhatī’s pointed question urges the sages to examine what truly produces excellence—right conduct, restraint, and inner purity—rather than assuming that harsh practices alone define holiness.
Within Bhīṣma’s discourse, Arundhatī sees an auspicious, well-nourished-looking ascetic and addresses the assembled sages. Her remark—framed as a challenge—invites comparison and reflection, setting up a discussion about the nature of tapas, merit, and the marks of genuine dharma.