Shloka 5
वृत्ति-सत्सङ्ग-दान-धर्म
Livelihood, Virtuous Association, and Ethics of Giving
पुरा मेरोर्महाराज शुड्ूं त्रैलोक्यपूजितम् । ज्योतिष्क॑ नाम सावित्रं सर्वरत्नविभूषितम्
purā meror mahārāja śṛṅgaṁ trailokya-pūjitam | jyotiṣkaṁ nāma sāvitraṁ sarva-ratna-vibhūṣitam ||
भीष्म ने कहा— महाराज! प्राचीन काल में मेरु पर्वत का एक शिखर था, जो त्रिलोकी में पूजित था। उसका नाम ‘ज्योतिष्क’ था; वह सविता-देव को समर्पित पवित्र स्थान था और सब प्रकार के रत्नों से विभूषित होकर दीप्तिमान रहता था।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames dharma-instruction through sacred geography: by invoking a universally revered, radiant, jewel-adorned summit dedicated to the solar principle (Savitṛ), Bhīṣma signals that the forthcoming account is grounded in cosmic order, purity, and auspicious authority—qualities a king should emulate in governance and conduct.
Bhīṣma begins an ancient exemplum by setting the scene on Mount Meru. He describes a famed summit called Jyotiṣka, honoured across the three worlds and associated with Savitṛ, preparing the listener for a mythic episode or instruction that will unfold from this sacred setting.