Shloka 11
अध्याय ३२३ — श्वेतद्वीपगमनम्, यज्ञभाग-विवादः, एकान्तिभक्त्या नारायणदर्शन-नियमः (Śvetadvīpa Journey; Dispute over Sacrificial Share; Rule of Nārāyaṇa-vision through Single-minded Devotion)
मेरुशुज़े किल पुरा कर्णिकारवनायुते । विजहार महादेवो भीमैर्भूतगणैर्वृत:,कहते हैं, पूर्वकालमें कनेरके वनोंसे सुशोभित मेरुपर्वतके शिखरपर भगवान् शंकर भयानक भूतगणोंको साथ ले विहार करते थे
Meruśṛṅge kila purā karṇikāravanāyute | vijahāra Mahādevo bhīmair bhūtaganair vṛtaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: In ancient times, on the peak of Mount Meru—adorned with forests of karṇikāra trees—Lord Mahādeva (Śiva) sported, surrounded by dreadful hosts of bhūtas.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse evokes reverence for the divine’s vastness: even fearsome beings (bhūtas) can be attendants within a higher dharmic-cosmic order, reminding the listener not to judge sacred reality only by surface appearance.
Bhīṣma describes an ancient scene on Mount Meru where Śiva (Mahādeva) is enjoying divine sport, surrounded by terrifying hosts of bhūtas, on a summit beautified by karṇikāra groves.