Shloka 98
Bhīṣma’s Śara-śayyā Stuti to Vāsudeva and Yogic Preparation for Dehotsarga
Body-Relinquishment
त्वां प्रपन्नाय भक्ताय गतिमिष्टां जिगीषवे । यच्छेय: पुण्डरीकाक्ष तद् ध्यायस्व सुरोत्तम
tvāṁ prapannāya bhaktāya gatim iṣṭāṁ jigīṣave | yaccheyaḥ puṇḍarīkākṣa tad dhyāyasva surottama ||
Bhīṣma said: “O lotus-eyed Krishna, best among the gods! I have taken refuge in you as your devoted servant, and I seek the desired final course and attainment. Please yourself consider and determine what will truly be for my highest good.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati (taking refuge) and the pursuit of śreyas (the highest good): the devotee entrusts his ultimate welfare to the divine guide, asking not merely for what is pleasant or desired, but for what is truly beneficial in the final sense.
In the Śānti Parva setting, Bhishma—lying on the bed of arrows and instructing on dharma—addresses Krishna with reverence, declaring himself surrendered and requesting Krishna to determine the best path and final attainment for him.