Shloka 9
Adhyāya 57: Tapas–Dāna Phala
On the Fruits of Austerity and Giving
शीतलानि च तोयानि क्वचिदुष्णानि भारत । आसनानि विचित्राणि शयनप्रवराणि च,भरतनन्दन! कहीं शीतल जल थे तो कहीं उष्ण, उन महलोंमें विचित्र आसन और उत्तमोत्तम शय्याएँ बिछी हुई थीं
śītalāni ca toyāni kvacid uṣṇāni bhārata | āsanāni vicitrāṇi śayanapravarāṇi ca ||
பாரத குலநந்தனே! எங்கோ குளிர்ந்த நீர், எங்கோ வெந்நீர் இருந்தது; அந்தச் சிறந்த மாளிகைகளில் பலவகை ஆசனங்களும் மிகச் சிறந்த படுக்கைகளும் அமைக்கப்பட்டிருந்தன.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of well-ordered provision and hospitality—comforts arranged thoughtfully for guests and residents. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such external refinement is meaningful when aligned with dharma; luxury alone is not virtue, but it can reflect responsible stewardship and care.
Bhīṣma is describing a setting of royal or palatial accommodation: different kinds of water (cool and warm) are available, and the interiors are furnished with ornate seats and excellent beds. The description functions as a vivid scene-setting detail within his discourse to Yudhiṣṭhira.