Shloka 28
अर्हणनिर्णयः
Decision on the Highest Honor at the Assembly
भीष्म उवाच एष होषां समस्तानां तेजोबलपराक्रमै: । मध्ये तपन्निवाभाति ज्योतिषामिव भास्कर:,भीष्मने कहा--कुन्तीनन्दन! ये भगवान् श्रीकृष्ण इन सब राजाओंके बीचमें अपने तेज, बल और पराक्रमसे उसी प्रकार देदीप्यमान हो रहे हैं, जैसे ग्रह-नक्षत्रोंमें भुवनभास्कर भगवान् सूर्य। अन्धकारपूर्ण स्थान जैसे सूर्यका उदय होनेपर ज्योतिसे जगमग हो उठता है और वायुहीन स्थान जैसे वायुके संचारसे सजीव-सा हो जाता है, उसी प्रकार भगवान् श्रीकृष्णके द्वारा हमारी यह सभा आह्वादित और प्रकाशित हो रही है (अतः ये ही अग्रपूजाके योग्य हैं)
bhīṣma uvāca | eṣa hoṣāṃ samastānāṃ tejobalaparākramaiḥ | madhye tapann ivābhāti jyotiṣām iva bhāskaraḥ ||
Bhishma said: “O son of Kunti, among all these assembled kings, Sri Krishna shines in their midst by his splendor, strength, and heroic prowess—just as the sun outshines the planets and stars. As darkness is dispelled when the sun rises, and as a still, airless place seems to come alive when wind begins to move, so this royal assembly is gladdened and illumined by Krishna’s presence. Therefore, he alone is worthy of the foremost honor.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
True eminence is recognized by intrinsic qualities—radiance (tejas), strength (bala), and valor (parākrama)—and rightful honor should be offered to the one whose presence uplifts and illumines the community; thus Bhishma argues that Krishna deserves the foremost worship (agra-pūjā).
In the royal assembly during Yudhishthira’s great rite, Bhishma points to Krishna among the gathered rulers and, using the sun-among-stars comparison, recommends him as the most worthy recipient of the first honor.