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:
rasātalagataḥ śrīmān ananto bhagavān vibhuḥ | jagad dhārayate kṛtsnaṃ tasmai vīryātmane namaḥ ||
Bhishma rend un hommage révérencieux au Seigneur glorieux et tout-puissant, Ananta (Śeṣa), qui demeure en Rasātala et porte l’univers entier sur sa tête. Le vers présente la stabilité cosmique comme fondée sur la force divine et invite l’auditeur à cultiver l’humilité et la dévotion envers la puissance qui soutient tout ordre.
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.