Shloka 27
Bhīṣma’s Śara-śayyā Stuti to Vāsudeva and Yogic Preparation for Dehotsarga
Body-Relinquishment
चतुर्भिश्चतुरात्मानं सत्त्वस्थं सात्वतां पतिम् | यं॑ दिव्यैर्देवमर्चन्ति गुह्दौः परमनामभि:
caturbhiś caturātmānaṁ sattvasthaṁ sātvatāṁ patim | yaṁ divyair devam arcanti guhyaiḥ paramanāmabhiḥ ||
Bhishma said: With four supreme, secret, divine names they worship that Deity—Vāsudeva—who is established in pure goodness, the lord of the Sātvatas, and who is manifested in a fourfold form. He abides within the hearts of all and protects his devotees.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes devotional worship of Vāsudeva through revered, esoteric divine names, presenting him as established in sattva (pure goodness) and as the inner indwelling Lord who sustains and protects devotees.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction-setting, Bhīṣma continues teaching about dharma and spiritual orientation, describing how the supreme Lord (Vāsudeva) is worshipped—highlighting a fourfold manifestation and the use of secret, supreme names in devotion.