Shloka 19
Śrī-nivāsa: Traits and Conditions for the Abode of Prosperity (श्री-निवासः)
स्वाध्यायनित्येषु सदा द्विजेषु क्षत्रे च धर्माभिरते सदैव । वैश्ये च कृष्पाभिरते वसामि शूद्रे च शुश्रूषणनित्ययुक्ते
bhīṣma uvāca |
svādhyāya-nityeṣu sadā dvijeṣu kṣatre ca dharmābhirate sadaiva |
vaiśye ca kṛṣy-ābhirate vasāmi śūdre ca śuśrūṣaṇa-nitya-yukte ||
Bhishma said: “I ever dwell among those twice-born who are constantly devoted to Vedic study; among Kshatriyas who are always intent on their rightful duty; among Vaishyas engaged in agriculture; and among Shudras who are continually committed to service.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that righteousness is sustained when each social group remains steadfast in its proper duty: Vedic study for the twice-born, protection and duty for Kshatriyas, productive work such as agriculture for Vaishyas, and dedicated service for Shudras. The implied ethical point is that dharma ‘dwells’ where disciplined responsibility and integrity are practiced.
In the Anushasana Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on dharma. Here he personifies a revered principle (dharma/śrī-like presence) as ‘dwelling’ among people who faithfully perform their prescribed roles, reinforcing the didactic theme of social and moral order.