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 ||
അവിടെ രുദ്രൻ—മഹാദേവൻ—കർണികാരപുഷ്പങ്ങളാൽ നിർമ്മിതമായ ശുഭമാല ധരിച്ച്, സ്വന്തം ജ്യോത്സ്നയോടുകൂടിയ ചന്ദ്രനെപ്പോലെ ദീപ്തനായി ഭാസിച്ചു।
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.