Shloka 110
Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
तथा तयोर्विवदतोर्विज्ञानविदुषोर्द्रयो: । बान्धवानां स्थितानां चाप्युपातिष्ठत शड़्कर:
tathā tayor vivadatyor vijñāna-viduṣor drayoḥ | bāndhavānāṁ sthitānāṁ cāpy upātiṣṭhata śaṅkaraḥ |
Bhishma said: While those two learned disputants—versed in knowledge and discernment—were thus engaged in debate, and the kinsmen of the deceased stood nearby, Lord Śaṅkara appeared before them, prompted by Goddess Pārvatī. His eyes were moist with compassion. The boon-giving Lord Śiva then addressed those people, saying, “I grant you a boon.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when human beings are caught in contention—however learned they may be—resolution can come through compassion and divine grace. Śiva’s appearance with tearful eyes underscores that dharma is not only judgment but also mercy, and that boons (when rightly sought) can restore balance and relieve suffering.
Two knowledgeable parties are engaged in a debate while the relatives of a deceased person stand by. At that moment, prompted by Pārvatī, Lord Śiva (Śaṅkara) manifests before them, moved by compassion, and announces that he will grant them a boon.