Shloka 98
समन्तपञ्चक-आख्यानम् तथा अक्षौहिणी-प्रमाणनिर्णयः
Samantapañcaka Narrative and the Measure of an Akṣauhiṇī
तेजों5शानां च सम्पातो भीष्मस्याप्यत्र सम्भव: | राज्यान्निवर्तनं तस्य ब्रह्मचर्यव्रते स्थिति:,इसी पर्वमें वसुओंके तेजके अंशभूत भीष्मके जन्मकी कथा भी है। उनकी राज्यभोगसे निवृत्ति, आजीवन ब्रह्मचर्यव्रतमें स्थित रहनेकी प्रतिज्ञा, प्रतिज्ञापालन, चित्रांगदकी रक्षा और चित्रांगदकी मृत्यु हो जानेपर छोटे भाई विचित्रवीर्यकी रक्षा, उन्हें राज्य-समर्पण, अणीमाण्डव्यके शापसे भगवान् धर्मकी विदुरके रूपमें मनुष्योंमें उत्पत्ति, श्रीकृष्णद्वैपायनके वरदानके कारण धृतराष्ट्र एवं पाण्डुका जन्म और इसी प्रसंगमें पाण्डवोंकी उत्पत्ति-कथा भी है
tejoṁśānāṁ ca sampāto bhīṣmasyāpy atra sambhavaḥ | rājyān nivartanaṁ tasya brahmacaryavrate sthitiḥ |
Here too is recounted the descent of the Vasus’ splendor in the birth of Bhīṣma. It tells of his turning away from kingship and worldly enjoyment, and of his steadfast resolve to remain established in the vow of lifelong celibacy—an ethical portrait of renunciation and unwavering fidelity to a chosen dharma.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as renunciation and unwavering commitment: Bhīṣma’s ethical greatness lies not in ruling, but in voluntarily stepping away from power and remaining firmly established in a lifelong vow, showing integrity, self-mastery, and fidelity to one’s chosen duty.
The text signals that this section includes the account of Bhīṣma’s birth as a manifestation connected with the Vasus, and it summarizes key elements of his life-story: his withdrawal from kingship and his steadfast establishment in the vow of brahmacarya.