Shloka 5
Śrī-nivāsa: Traits and Conditions for the Abode of Prosperity (श्री-निवासः)
एवं तदा श्रीरभिभाष्यमाणा देव्या समक्ष गरुडध्वजस्य । उवाच वाक्यं मधुराभि धान मनोहरं चन्द्रमुखी प्रसन्ना
evaṁ tadā śrīr abhibhāṣyamāṇā devyāḥ samakṣaṁ garuḍadhvajasya | uvāca vākyaṁ madhurābhidhānaṁ manoharaṁ candramukhī prasannā ||
Alors, Śrī (Lakṣmī), ainsi interpellée par la déesse, parla—en la présence même du Seigneur au drapeau de Garuḍa (Viṣṇu)—en des mots doux et captivants. La dame au visage de lune, le cœur réjoui, prononça une parole tendre, ouvrant un enseignement fondé sur l’auspice et la juste conduite.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ethical instruction through a model of ideal speech: when pleased and composed, one should respond with words that are sweet, clear, and beneficial—especially in the presence of the divine or elders—so that counsel becomes auspicious and conducive to dharma.
Bhīṣma narrates that Lakṣmī, after being addressed/questioned by another goddess, replies directly before Garuḍadhvaja (Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa). Her demeanor is serene and pleased, and she begins a charming, sweetly phrased statement that leads into the ensuing instruction or account.