Shloka 63
स्वापन: स्ववशो व्यापी नैकात्मा नैककर्मकृत् । वत्सरो वत्सलो वत्सी रत्नगर्भो धनेश्वर:
bhīṣma uvāca | svāpanaḥ svavaśo vyāpī naikātmā naikakarmakṛt | vatsaro vatsalo vatsī ratnagarbho dhaneśvaraḥ ||
Bhishma said: He is the One who lulls all beings into the sleep of ignorance at the time of dissolution; self-governed and independent; all-pervading like space; assuming many forms across the ages for the uplift of the worlds; performing manifold deeds—creation, preservation, and dissolution, and also the wondrous acts of His various descents. He is the ‘Year’ in whom all beings find their dwelling and course; tenderly affectionate to devotees; the protector of calves in Vraja; the ocean-like womb that holds jewels; and the Lord of all wealth.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that the Supreme is simultaneously the cosmic principle governing time, creation, and dissolution, and also the intimate, loving protector of devotees. Recognizing this unity supports dharma: reverence for the moral order of the universe and trust in the Lord’s compassionate nearness.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and extols the Supreme through a sequence of divine epithets (commonly aligned with the Viṣṇu-sahasranāma tradition). This verse is one segment of that praise, listing names that highlight both universal sovereignty and pastoral tenderness.