Shloka 5
Śrī-nivāsa: Traits and Conditions for the Abode of Prosperity (श्री-निवासः)
एवं तदा श्रीरभिभाष्यमाणा देव्या समक्ष गरुडध्वजस्य । उवाच वाक्यं मधुराभि धान मनोहरं चन्द्रमुखी प्रसन्ना
evaṁ tadā śrīr abhibhāṣyamāṇā devyāḥ samakṣaṁ garuḍadhvajasya | uvāca vākyaṁ madhurābhidhānaṁ manoharaṁ candramukhī prasannā ||
Kaya noon, si Śrī (Lakṣmī), nang siya’y kausapin at tanungin ng diyosa, ay nagsalita—sa harap mismo ng Panginoong may watawat ni Garuḍa (Viṣṇu)—ng tugong matamis at kaakit-akit. Ang babaeng may mukhang tulad ng buwan, na nalulugod ang loob, ay nagwika nang banayad, na nagbubukas sa payong nakaugat sa pagpapala at wastong asal.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ethical instruction through a model of ideal speech: when pleased and composed, one should respond with words that are sweet, clear, and beneficial—especially in the presence of the divine or elders—so that counsel becomes auspicious and conducive to dharma.
Bhīṣma narrates that Lakṣmī, after being addressed/questioned by another goddess, replies directly before Garuḍadhvaja (Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa). Her demeanor is serene and pleased, and she begins a charming, sweetly phrased statement that leads into the ensuing instruction or account.