Shloka 4
Bhīṣma’s Śara-śayyā Stuti to Vāsudeva and Yogic Preparation for Dehotsarga
Body-Relinquishment
विकीर्णाशुरिवादित्यो भीष्म: शरशतैश्लित: | शुशुभे परया लक्ष्म्या वृतो ब्राह्मणसत्तमै:,चारों ओर अपनी किरणें बिखेरनेवाले सूर्यके समान सैकड़ों बाणोंसे छिदे हुए भीष्म उत्तम शोभासे सुशोभित होने लगे, अनेकानेक श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मण उन्हें घेरकर बैठे थे
vikīrṇāṃśur ivādityo bhīṣmaḥ śaraśataiś chinnaḥ | śuśubhe parayā lakṣmyā vṛto brāhmaṇasattamaiḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: „Wie die Sonne, die ihre Strahlen nach allen Seiten streut, so leuchtete Bhīṣma—von Hunderten Pfeilen durchbohrt und zerrissen—doch in höchster Pracht. Die vornehmsten Brāhmaṇas saßen um ihn her, ihn in ehrfürchtiger Anwesenheit umringend.“
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid extreme bodily suffering and the aftermath of war, true greatness is shown through inner steadiness and dharmic dignity. Bhīṣma’s continued ‘radiance’ suggests moral authority and spiritual composure that remain intact despite physical ruin, and the presence of eminent brāhmaṇas underscores the sanctity of counsel, restraint, and righteous reflection.
Bhīṣma lies grievously wounded, pierced by countless arrows, yet he appears splendid—likened to the sun spreading its rays. Foremost brāhmaṇas sit around him in attendance, framing the scene as one of reverent guardianship and preparation for the profound instruction that Bhīṣma will give in the Śānti Parva.