Bhishma said I tell you, O Yudhishthira, that one acquires a regions of happiness according to the nature of penances he practises. This is what I hold, O son of Kunti, that there is no Penance superior to abstention from food. Regarding it is recited the ancient discourse between Bhagiratha and the illustrious Brahman.
भीष्म उवाच तपः प्रचक्षते यावत् तावल्लोको युधिष्ठिर। मतं ममात्र कौन्तेय तपो नानशनात् परम्॥ अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम्। भगीरथस्य संवादं ब्रह्मणश्च महात्मनः॥