Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 51
रन्तिदेवं महादेवं कीर्तयेत् परमद्युतिम् विश्वजित्तपसोपेतं लक्षण्यं लोकपूजितम्
Bhīṣma uvāca: Rantidevaṃ mahādevaṃ kīrtayet paramadyutim | Viśvajit-tapasopetaṃ lakṣaṇyaṃ lokapūjitam || Etān vai kalyam utthāya kīrtayan śubham aśnute | Nāgni-caurabhayaṃ tasya na mārga-pratirodhanam ||
Bhishma said: “One should recite the praise of King Rantideva—godlike in greatness, supremely radiant, endowed with world-conquering austerity, marked by auspicious signs, and revered by the people. Rising early and chanting these names, a person attains well-being. For such a devotee there is no fear from fire or thieves, nor any obstruction on the road.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that remembering and praising exemplary dharmic figures—here King Rantideva—cultivates auspiciousness and moral strength, and is traditionally believed to confer protection from dangers and obstacles.
In Bhishma’s instruction section, he recommends morning recitation of the celebrated king Rantideva’s name and virtues, describing the spiritual and practical benefits (well-being, freedom from fear, and unhindered travel).