06.064
Pancharatra: After further elaboration of the Pancharatra by Bhishma, Duryodhana retires to bed that night.
Bhishma said:
O great king, listen to this hymn of mine related to Brahman, which was once spoken on earth by the sages and the gods.
Nārada addressed you as the master, the lord of the lords of gods, and the knower of the world's feelings, even among the Sādhyas. Mārkaṇḍeya indeed spoke of the past, present, and future.
Bhrigu, the blessed sage, declared you to be the ultimate sacrifice among sacrifices, the supreme austerity among austerities, and the god of gods. In the Purana, you are described as the terrifying form of Vishnu, the lord of all beings.
Dvaipayana said, "Vasudeva, you are the establisher of the Vasus and Indra, and you are the god of gods."
In the earlier creations, Daksha was known as the lord of creatures. Then Angiras addressed you as the creator of all beings.
Devala said to Asita that what is unmanifest in your body becomes manifest in your mind, and the gods are born of speech.
Your head reaches the sky, your arms hold the earth, and your stomach contains the three worlds; you are the eternal being.
Thus, the purified men and the best of sages, who are satisfied by self-realization, recognize you through their penance.
O Madhusudana, you are the refuge for the royal sages, the noble ones, the warriors who do not retreat in battles, and those who are foremost in all duties.
This is your detailed explanation, dear, and the summary has been proclaimed. Be pleased with Keshava as it truly is in Keshava.
Sanjaya said:
Upon hearing this sacred story, O great king, your son regarded Keshava and the Pandavas as mighty warriors.
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, addressed the king once more, saying, "O great king, you have heard about the greatness of Keshava, the exalted one."
You ask me in reality, O man, for what purpose both Nara and Nārāyaṇa have manifested among men.
O king, just as the Pandavas are invincible and undefeated heroes in battles, they are unapproachable by anyone in combat.
Krishna is truly devoted to the renowned Pandavas. Hence, O king, I suggest that peace should prevail with the Pandavas.
Enjoy the earth with your brothers and offerings, but by disregarding the divine Nara and Narayana, you will meet your end.
After speaking thus, your father fell silent, O lord of the people. He dismissed the king and then retired to bed.
The king, after paying respects to the great soul, went to the camp and rested on a white bed that night, O best of the Bharatas.
