Shloka 5
वृत्ति-सत्सङ्ग-दान-धर्म
Livelihood, Virtuous Association, and Ethics of Giving
पुरा मेरोर्महाराज शुड्ूं त्रैलोक्यपूजितम् । ज्योतिष्क॑ नाम सावित्रं सर्वरत्नविभूषितम्
purā meror mahārāja śṛṅgaṁ trailokya-pūjitam | jyotiṣkaṁ nāma sāvitraṁ sarva-ratna-vibhūṣitam ||
Bhīṣma said: “In ancient times, O great king, there was a peak of Mount Meru, revered throughout the three worlds. It was called Jyotiṣka, sacred to Savitṛ (the solar deity), and it shone adorned with every kind of jewel.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames dharma-instruction through sacred geography: by invoking a universally revered, radiant, jewel-adorned summit dedicated to the solar principle (Savitṛ), Bhīṣma signals that the forthcoming account is grounded in cosmic order, purity, and auspicious authority—qualities a king should emulate in governance and conduct.
Bhīṣma begins an ancient exemplum by setting the scene on Mount Meru. He describes a famed summit called Jyotiṣka, honoured across the three worlds and associated with Savitṛ, preparing the listener for a mythic episode or instruction that will unfold from this sacred setting.