Shloka 2
Chapter 85: Suvarṇasya Janma ca Pradāna-Phalam
The Origin of Gold and the Merit of Gifting
भीष्म उवाच अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । गोभिननपेह संवादं श्रिया भरतसत्तम
bhīṣma uvāca | atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | gobhiḥ śriyā ca bharatasattama saṁvādam ||
பீஷ்மர் கூறினார்— பரதகுலச் சிறந்தவனே! இவ்விஷயத்திலும் அறிஞர்கள் ஒரு பழம்பெரும் இதிகாச உதாரணத்தைச் சொல்கின்றனர்— பசுக்களுக்கும் ஸ்ரீ (லக்ஷ்மி)க்கும் இடையிலான உரையாடலை.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma frames his instruction through an authoritative precedent: ethical guidance is strengthened by recalling ancient exemplars (itihāsa). By introducing the Cow–Śrī dialogue, he signals a teaching about how prosperity (Śrī) relates to righteous conduct and social values symbolized by the cow.
Bhishma begins a new illustrative story. Addressing Yudhiṣṭhira, he says that wise people cite an ancient account—specifically a dialogue between the Cow and Śrī (Lakṣmī)—as an example relevant to the topic under discussion.