Shloka 5
Bhīṣmadeva’s Passing Away in the Presence of Lord Kṛṣṇa
तत्र ब्रह्मर्षय: सर्वे देवर्षयश्च सत्तम । राजर्षयश्च तत्रासन् द्रष्टुं भरतपुङ्गवम् ॥ ५ ॥
tatra brahmarṣayaḥ sarve devarṣayaś ca sattama rājarṣayaś ca tatrāsan draṣṭuṁ bharata-puṅgavam
भरतपुङ्गवं द्रष्टुं तत्र ब्रह्मर्षयः सर्वे देवर्षयश्च सत्तमाः, राजर्षयश्च गुणसत्त्वस्थिताः समागताः।
The ṛṣis are those who have attained perfection by spiritual achievements. Such spiritual achievements can be earned by all, whether one is a king or a mendicant. Bhīṣmadeva himself was also one of the brahmarṣis and the chief of the descendants of King Bharata. All ṛṣis are situated in the quality of goodness. All of them assembled there on hearing the news of the great warrior’s impending death.
FAQs
According to this verse, Brahmarishis, Devarishis, and Rajarishis assembled there to behold the foremost Bharata hero—Bhishmadeva.
The verse highlights the extraordinary spiritual gravity of Bhishma’s final moments—so significant that sages from all orders, including saintly kings, gathered to witness and honor him.
It teaches the value of seeking saintly association and honoring elevated devotees—placing oneself where dharma and devotion are being discussed and lived.