Shloka 21
Adhyāya 325: Nārada in Śvetadvīpa—Stotra to the Nirguṇa Mahātman
स्फीतांश्व शालियवसै्हंससारससेवितान् । पद्मिनीभिश्व शतश: श्रीमतीभिरलड्कृतान्
sphītāṁś ca śāliyavasaiḥ haṁsasārasasevitān | padminībhiś ca śataśaḥ śrīmatībhir alaṅkṛtān ||
ビーシュマは語った。「その地方では、稲は実り、飼い草も豊かに茂って、田畑は栄えていた。至るところに白鳥と鶴が集い、蓮に満ちた見事な湖が幾百も、麗しさと繁栄の光を放って国土を飾っていた――それは、よく治められ、豊穣の祝福を受けた王国のしるしである。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses natural abundance—ripened crops, thriving water-birds, and lotus-filled lakes—as markers of a well-governed, dharmic realm. Prosperity and beauty in the land are presented as outward signs of order, stability, and righteous administration.
Bhishma is describing the Videha region as exceptionally fertile and beautiful: fields heavy with grain and fodder, and numerous lotus-ponds frequented by swans and cranes. The passage functions as a vivid setting-description highlighting the country’s prosperity.