Shloka 20
अध्याय ३२३ — श्वेतद्वीपगमनम्, यज्ञभाग-विवादः, एकान्तिभक्त्या नारायणदर्शन-नियमः (Śvetadvīpa Journey; Dispute over Sacrificial Share; Rule of Nārāyaṇa-vision through Single-minded Devotion)
तत्र रुद्रो महादेव: कर्णिकारमयीं शुभाम् | धारयाण: स्रजं भाति ज्योत्स्नामिव निशाकर:
tatra rudro mahādevaḥ karṇikāramayīṃ śubhām | dhārayāṇaḥ srajaṃ bhāti jyotsnām iva niśākaraḥ ||
Là, Rudra — Mahadeva — resplendissait, portant une guirlande de bon augure faite de fleurs de karṇikāra, éclatant tel la lune accompagnée de sa propre clarté. Dans cette forêt divine et charmante, remplie de dieux et de sages célestes, le grand rishi Vyāsa, désirant obtenir la grâce d’un fils, s’était réfugié dans la plus haute discipline du yoga et demeurait inébranlable dans ses austérités.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights two ideals: the divine as a source of auspicious radiance (Śiva’s serene splendor), and the human/sage ideal of unwavering discipline—Vyāsa’s steadfast tapas supported by the highest yoga in pursuit of a righteous aim (progeny).
Bhīṣma describes a divine forest scene where Śiva appears resplendent with a karṇikāra-flower garland, likened to the moon with its moonlight. In the same sacred setting, Vyāsa is engaged in firm austerities, seeking the attainment of a son and remaining undistracted.