Shloka 1
Makara-vyūha and Krauñca-prativyūha at Sunrise (मकरव्यूहः क्रौञ्चप्रतिव्यूहश्च)
ऑपनआक्रात बछ। अर: ३. केशव नामकी व्युत्पत्ति इस प्रकार है--कजतब्रह्मा
bhīṣma uvāca | śṛṇu cedaṃ mahārāja brahma-bhūtaṃ stavaṃ mama | brahmarṣibhiś ca devaiś ca yaḥ purā kathito bhuvi ||
毗湿摩说道：“大王（难敌）啊，且听我这首具梵性（Brahman）之赞颂。久远以前，就在这大地之上，诸梵仙与诸天曾宣说此颂。如今你当从我处聆听。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse establishes the hymn’s spiritual stature (‘of the nature of Brahman’) and its legitimacy by tracing it to ancient proclamation by Brahmarishis and the gods, implying that true praise of the Supreme is grounded in venerable revelation and should be heard with reverence.
On the battlefield setting of Bhishma Parva, Bhishma addresses Duryodhana and introduces a revered ancient stotra, announcing that he will recite a Brahman-centered hymn previously taught by sages and devas.