Shloka 21
स्फीतांश्व शालियवसै्हंससारससेवितान् । पद्मिनीभिश्व शतश: श्रीमतीभिरलड्कृतान्,सारे विदेहप्रान्तमें सब ओर अगहनी धानकी खेती लहलहा रही थी। वहाँके निवासी धन-धान्यसे सम्पन्न थे। उस देशमें चारों ओर हंस और सारस निवास करते थे। कमलोंसे अलंकृत सैकड़ों सुन्दर सरोवर विदेह-राज्यकी शोभा बढ़ा रहे थे
sphītāṁś ca śāliyavasaiḥ haṁsasārasasevitān | padminībhiś ca śataśaḥ śrīmatībhir alaṅkṛtān ||
भीष्म उवाच—स्फीतांश्च शालियवसैर्हंससारससेवितान् । पद्मिनीभिश्च शतशः श्रीमतीभिरलङ्कृतान् ॥
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.