Shloka 1
Makara-vyūha and Krauñca-prativyūha at Sunrise (मकरव्यूहः क्रौञ्चप्रतिव्यूहश्च)
ऑपनआक्रात बछ। अर: ३. केशव नामकी व्युत्पत्ति इस प्रकार है--कजतब्रह्मा
bhīṣma uvāca | śṛṇu cedaṃ mahārāja brahma-bhūtaṃ stavaṃ mama | brahmarṣibhiś ca devaiś ca yaḥ purā kathito bhuvi ||
Bhīṣma said: “O great king (Duryodhana), listen to this hymn of mine that is of the nature of Brahman. Long ago on this very earth it was proclaimed by Brahmarishis and by the gods. Hear it from me now.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse establishes the hymn’s spiritual stature (‘of the nature of Brahman’) and its legitimacy by tracing it to ancient proclamation by Brahmarishis and the gods, implying that true praise of the Supreme is grounded in venerable revelation and should be heard with reverence.
On the battlefield setting of Bhishma Parva, Bhishma addresses Duryodhana and introduces a revered ancient stotra, announcing that he will recite a Brahman-centered hymn previously taught by sages and devas.