Shloka 91
Adhyāya 284: Tapas as a Corrective to Household Attachment
Parāśara’s Instruction
प्रभो! आपका अट्टहास भयंकर शब्द करनेवाली दुन्दुभिके समान जान पड़ता है। आप भीषण व्रतको धारण करनेवाले हैं। दस भुजाओंसे सुशोभित होनेवाले उग्ररूपधारी आपको मेरा नित्य बारंबार नमस्कार है ।।
prabho! āpa kā aṭṭahāsa bhayaṅkara śabda karanevālī dundubhike samāna jāna paṛtā hai. āpa bhīṣaṇa-vrata ko dhāraṇa karanevāle haiṃ. daśa-bhujāoṃ se suśobhita honevāle ugra-rūpa-dhārī, āpako merā nitya bārambār namaskāra hai. namaḥ kapāla-hastāya citi-bhasma-priyāya ca | vibhīṣaṇāya bhīṣmāya bhīma-vrata-dharāya ca ||
Ó Senhor! Tua gargalhada estrondosa parece o som terrível de um tambor de guerra. Tu sustentas um voto pavoroso; manifestas-te em forma feroz, ornado com dez braços. A Ti ofereço minhas saudações constantes, repetidas vezes. Saudações a Ti, cuja mão traz um crânio; a Ti, que amas as cinzas da pira funerária; a Ti, que inspiras temor a todos e, contudo, és destemido; e a Ti, que manténs severas disciplinas, como o autocontrole e a serenidade interior.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models reverent recognition of disciplined power: the divine can appear terrifying, yet that fearsome aspect is linked with rigorous vows and inner restraint (śama–dama). Ethically, it suggests that true strength is grounded in self-control and steadfast observance, worthy of humility and devotion.
Bhishma, as speaker, offers a stuti (hymn of praise) to a fearsome divine figure described with drum-like laughter, ten arms, a skull in hand, and fondness for cremation-ashes—iconic markers associated with Rudra/Śiva-like ascetic power. He repeatedly bows, emphasizing the deity’s terrifying yet fearless nature and severe vows.