Shloka 65
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
मनोदृष्टिहरै रम्यै: सर्वतः संवृतं शुभै: । ऋषिभिश्चावृतं तत्र आश्रमं तं मनोहरम्,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
manodṛṣṭiharai ramyaiḥ sarvataḥ saṃvṛtaṃ śubhaiḥ | ṛṣibhiś cāvṛtaṃ tatra āśramaṃ taṃ manoharam ||
Bhishma said: “That delightful hermitage was enclosed on every side by auspicious, charming structures that captivated both mind and sight. Filled with sages as well, the ashram there appeared exceedingly beautiful and enchanting.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the sanctity of a disciplined spiritual environment: an āśrama becomes truly auspicious and attractive not merely by outward beauty, but by being inhabited by ṛṣis and permeated with śubha (wholesome, dharmic) qualities.
Bhīṣma is describing a particular hermitage scene: the āśrama is portrayed as charming and visually captivating, surrounded on all sides by auspicious, delightful surroundings and populated by sages, emphasizing its sacred and inviting atmosphere.