Shloka 97
उत्तरायणमन्विच्छन् भीष्म: कुरुपितामह: । तस्य तन्मतमाज्ञाय गंगा हिमवतः सुता
uttarāyaṇam anvicchan bhīṣmaḥ kurupitāmahaḥ | tasya tanmatam ājñāya gaṅgā himavataḥ sutā
Sañjaya said: Seeking the auspicious northern course of the sun (uttarāyaṇa), Bhīṣma, the grandsire of the Kurus, fixed his mind upon that time. Understanding his intention, Gaṅgā—the daughter of Himavat—responded accordingly.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic composure and intentionality at life’s end: Bhīṣma waits for an auspicious, ritually significant time (uttarāyaṇa), showing mastery over desire and fear, and aligning personal resolve with sacred order (kāla).
Sañjaya narrates that Bhīṣma, lying on the bed of arrows, is waiting for the onset of uttarāyaṇa to depart. Gaṅgā, his divine mother, understands his resolve and is implied to act or appear in accordance with his intention.