Shloka 91
Adhyāya 284: Tapas as a Corrective to Household Attachment
Parāśara’s Instruction
प्रभो! आपका अट्टहास भयंकर शब्द करनेवाली दुन्दुभिके समान जान पड़ता है। आप भीषण व्रतको धारण करनेवाले हैं। दस भुजाओंसे सुशोभित होनेवाले उग्ररूपधारी आपको मेरा नित्य बारंबार नमस्कार है ।।
prabho! āpa kā aṭṭahāsa bhayaṅkara śabda karanevālī dundubhike samāna jāna paṛtā hai. āpa bhīṣaṇa-vrata ko dhāraṇa karanevāle haiṃ. daśa-bhujāoṃ se suśobhita honevāle ugra-rūpa-dhārī, āpako merā nitya bārambār namaskāra hai. namaḥ kapāla-hastāya citi-bhasma-priyāya ca | vibhīṣaṇāya bhīṣmāya bhīma-vrata-dharāya ca ||
O Panginoon! Ang dagundong ng Iyong halakhak ay wari’y tambol ng digmaan na nakapanghihilakbot ang tunog. Ikaw ang may tangan ng mabigat na panata; Ikaw ay nasa mabagsik na anyo, maringal sa sampung bisig. Sa Iyo ako nag-aalay ng palagiang, paulit-ulit na pagpupugay. Pagpupugay sa Iyo na may hawak na bungo sa kamay; sa Iyo na kinalulugdan ang abo ng punerarya; sa Iyo na nakagigimbal sa lahat ngunit Ikaw ay walang takot; at sa Iyo na nagtatangan ng mahihigpit na disiplina gaya ng pagpipigil-sa-sarili at katahimikan ng loob.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models reverent recognition of disciplined power: the divine can appear terrifying, yet that fearsome aspect is linked with rigorous vows and inner restraint (śama–dama). Ethically, it suggests that true strength is grounded in self-control and steadfast observance, worthy of humility and devotion.
Bhishma, as speaker, offers a stuti (hymn of praise) to a fearsome divine figure described with drum-like laughter, ten arms, a skull in hand, and fondness for cremation-ashes—iconic markers associated with Rudra/Śiva-like ascetic power. He repeatedly bows, emphasizing the deity’s terrifying yet fearless nature and severe vows.