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 ||
اے بھارت کے فرزند! کہیں ٹھنڈا پانی تھا اور کہیں گرم؛ اور ان عالی شان محلّات میں طرح طرح کے نشست گاہیں اور نہایت عمدہ بستر بچھے ہوئے تھے۔
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.