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 ||
毗湿摩说道：“阿伦达蒂见那苦行者周身丰润、光彩吉祥，便对诸仙人说道：‘你们难道永远也不能成为这样吗？’——以此促使他们反思：灵性卓越的真正因由，岂止外在苦行而已。”
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.