Shloka 57
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
ततो<परं वनोद्देशं रमणीयमपश्यत । सर्वर्तुभिर्मूलफलै: पक्षिभिश्च॒ समन्वितै:
tato 'paraṃ vanoddeśaṃ ramaṇīyam apaśyata | sarvartubhir mūlaphalaiḥ pakṣibhiś ca samanvitaiḥ ||
Bhishma said: Thereafter he beheld another delightful tract of forest, richly furnished with roots and fruits in every season and enlivened by birds—an inviting refuge that suggests the quiet support nature offers to those pursuing restraint and right conduct.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the forest as a naturally sustaining, peaceful environment—symbolizing how a life oriented toward restraint and dharma can be supported by simple, seasonally available means rather than dependence on luxury.
Bhishma describes the sighting of another beautiful forest region, abundant in roots and fruits throughout the seasons and filled with birds, setting a serene scene within the ongoing discourse of the Anushasana Parva.