Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 15
त॑ं गन्धर्वाणामप्सरसां च नित्य- मुपतिष्ठन्ते विबुधानां शतानि | त॑ राक्षसाक्ष परिसंवदन्ति रायस्पोष: स विजिगीषुरेक:
taṁ gandharvāṇām apsarasāṁ ca nityaṁ upatiṣṭhante vibudhānāṁ śatāni | taṁ rākṣasāś ca pari-saṁvadanti rāyas-poṣaḥ sa vijigīṣur ekaḥ ||
Sabi ni Bhishma: “Siya ang patuloy na pinaglilingkuran ng daan-daang nilalang sa langit—mga Gandharva at Apsara. Maging ang mga Rakshasa ay sumasangguni sa kanya at humihingi ng kanyang pagsang-ayon. Siya lamang ang tagapag-ingat at tagapagpalago ng yaman, at ang may iisang layon na magwagi.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a figure whose authority is so comprehensive that even diverse classes of beings—celestials and Rakshasas—defer to him. Ethically, it underscores that wealth and victory are not merely personal possessions but powers that require guardianship, regulation, and rightful sanction within a larger cosmic and social order.
Bhishma describes an exalted being who is constantly attended by Gandharvas, Apsarases, and many gods, and whose counsel is sought even by Rakshasas. The description functions as praise of that being’s supremacy—especially regarding the protection/increase of wealth and the drive toward conquest.