Shloka 59
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
शैलांश्व विविधाकारान् काज्चनान् रत्नभूषितान् | मणिभूमौ निविष्टाश्च पुष्करिण्यस्तथैव च,वहाँ भगवान् अष्टावक्रने एक दिव्य आश्रम देखा। उस आश्रमके चारों ओर नाना प्रकारके सुवर्णमय एवं रत्नभूषित पर्वत शोभा पा रहे थे। वहाँकी मणिमयी भूमिपर कई सुन्दर बावड़ियाँ बनी थीं
śailāṁś ca vividhākārān kāñcanān ratnabhūṣitān | maṇibhūmau niviṣṭāś ca puṣkariṇyas tathaiva ca ||
Bhishma said: “There were mountains of many shapes, golden in hue and adorned with jewels. And upon the gem-like ground there were also lotus-ponds (and water-reservoirs) set in place.” The verse paints an otherworldly, sanctified landscape—suggesting that the setting itself reflects purity, merit, and the auspicious power associated with a divine hermitage.
भीष्म उवाच