Shloka 21
Svargārohaṇa-parva, Adhyāya 4 — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Vision of the Celestial Assembly
Recognition and Explanation
वसुभि: सहित पश्य भीष्मं शान्तनवं नृपम् । द्रोणं बृहस्पते: पार्श्वे गुरुमेने निशामय,'शान्तनुनन्दन राजा भीष्मका दर्शन करो, ये वसुओंके साथ विराज रहे हैं। द्रोणाचार्य बृहस्पतिके साथ हैं। अपने इन गुरुदेवको अच्छी तरह देख लो
Vasubhiḥ sahitaḥ paśya Bhīṣmaṃ Śāntanavaṃ nṛpam | Droṇaṃ Bṛhaspateḥ pārśve gurum ene niśāmaya ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “Behold King Bhīṣma, the son of Śāntanu, seated in glory together with the Vasus. And see Droṇa standing beside Bṛhaspati—look well upon that revered teacher.” In this vision of the afterlife, the epic underscores that those who upheld their ordained roles and disciplines are shown in their fitting celestial associations, inviting the listener to reflect on duty, reverence for teachers, and the moral weight of one’s life-work.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rightful placement in the cosmic order: Bhīṣma is shown with the Vasus and Droṇa beside Bṛhaspati, implying that steadfast adherence to one’s discipline and role, along with reverence for sacred learning and teachers, bears enduring moral and spiritual consequence.
In the Svargarohana (ascent to heaven) context, Vaiśaṃpāyana points out to the listener a celestial vision: Bhīṣma appears in association with the Vasus, and Droṇa is seen near Bṛhaspati, marking their honored stations after death.