Shloka 64
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
नानाविधैश्व भवनैर्विचित्रमणितोरणै: । मुक्ताजालविनिक्षिप्तैमणिरत्नविभूषितै:,उस आश्रमके चारों ओर विचित्र मणिमय तोरणोंसे सुशोभित, मोतीकी झालरोंसे अलंकृत तथा मणि एवं रत्नोंसे विभूषित सुन्दर भवन शोभा पा रहे थे। वे मनको मोह लेनेवाले तथा दृष्टिको बरबस अपनी ओर आकृष्ट कर लेनेवाले थे। उन मंगलमय भवनोंसे घिरा और ऋषि-मुनियोंसे भरा हुआ वह आश्रम बड़ा मनोहर जान पड़ता था
nānāvidhaiś ca bhavanair vicitra-maṇi-toraṇaiḥ | muktājāla-vinikṣiptaiḥ maṇi-ratna-vibhūṣitaiḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “All around that hermitage stood many kinds of beautiful dwellings, adorned with wondrous gateways set with gems, hung with net-like strings of pearls, and embellished with precious jewels and gems. Those auspicious buildings captivated the mind and irresistibly drew the eye. Encircled by such blessed structures and filled with ṛṣis and munis, the āśrama appeared exceedingly delightful.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the sanctity and auspicious power of a dharmic environment: a well-ordered, beautiful āśrama—filled with sages—naturally elevates the mind, drawing it toward serenity, reverence, and disciplined living. Outer harmony and inner virtue are shown as mutually reinforcing in sacred spaces.
Bhīṣma is describing the setting of an āśrama. He paints a vivid picture of the hermitage surrounded by splendid buildings with gem-studded gateways and pearl decorations, emphasizing how the place, populated by ṛṣis and munis, appears enchanting and auspicious.