Shloka 76
Bhīṣma’s Śara-śayyā Stuti to Vāsudeva and Yogic Preparation for Dehotsarga
Body-Relinquishment
रसातलगत: श्रीमाननन्तो भगवान् विभु: । जगद्ू धारयते कृत्स्नं तस्मै वीर्यात्मने नम:,जो सर्वव्यापक भगवान् श्रीमान् अनन्त नामक शेषनागके रूपमें रसातलमें रहकर सम्पूर्ण जगतके अपने मस्तकपर धारण करते हैं, उन वीर्यरूप परमेश्वरको प्रणाम है
rasātalagataḥ śrīmān ananto bhagavān vibhuḥ | jagad dhārayate kṛtsnaṃ tasmai vīryātmane namaḥ ||
Bhīṣma offers reverent homage to the glorious, all-powerful Lord Ananta (Śeṣa), who abides in Rasātala and upholds the entire universe upon his head. The verse frames cosmic stability as grounded in divine strength, inviting the listener to cultivate humility and devotion toward the sustaining power behind all order.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches reverence for the divine principle that sustains cosmic order: Ananta/Śeṣa, portrayed as the Lord’s endless power, supports the whole universe. Ethically, it encourages humility and devotion by reminding humans that stability and protection ultimately rest on a higher sustaining force.
In Bhīṣma’s discourse in the Śānti Parva, he recites a praise-salutation. Here he specifically bows to Ananta (Śeṣa), described as dwelling in Rasātala and bearing the universe on his head, as part of a devotional/theological passage.