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 ||
بھیشم نے کہا— اے بھرت شریشٹھ! اس معاملے میں بھی اہلِ علم ایک قدیم روایت بطور مثال پیش کرتے ہیں— گایوں اور شری (لکشمی) کے درمیان ہونے والا مکالمہ۔
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.