Shloka 116

Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154

Devanagari script

अनिरवेदेन दीर्घेण निश्चयेन ध्रुवेण च

Transliteration

aniravedenā dīrgheṇa niścayena dhruveṇa ca

Translation

Bhīṣma said: “With unwearied perseverance over a long course of time, and with firm, unwavering resolve.”

Word by Word

• अनिरवेदेन: with perseverance (lit. with non-despondency)
• अनिरवेदेन: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: अनिरवेद
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

• दीर्घेण: with long (time), for long
• दीर्घेण: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: दीर्घ
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental, Singular

• निश्चयेन: with determination
• निश्चयेन: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: निश्चय
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Singular

• ध्रुवेण: with firmness/steadfastness
• ध्रुवेण: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: ध्रुव
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental, Singular

• च: and
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च

Speaker

भीष्म उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Bhīṣma

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse emphasizes that success in dharmic aims is supported by sustained effort without discouragement, guided by firm determination and unwavering steadiness.

What is happening in the narrative?

In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma continues instructing Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and right conduct; here he highlights the inner qualities—long perseverance, decisive resolve, and steadiness—needed to carry out righteous duties.