Bhīṣmastavarāja

Bhīṣmastavarāja also known as Rājadharma anuśāsana parva is the1st part out of the 3, from the 12th Parva (chapter) of the epic Mahābhārata, that is Śānti Parva. There are a total of 18 Parvas in Mahābhārata. Bhīṣmastavarāja consists of about 108 Ślokas (Metered Verses) depending on the edition. The text describes about the Rāja Dharma. The duties of a king or Leader with respect to various things. This text is also popularly recited as a prayer. The Ms. contains the following speaker titles Janamejaya Uvāca Śloka 1, Vaiśampāyana Uvāca Ślokas in (f.2a); Bhīṣma Uvāca in (f.4b); Vaiśampāyana Uvāca in (f.19a). In (f.21a) after Śloka no. 23 there are some extra verses not found in the non critical edition. All the verses in the text are in Anuṣṭup Chanda (meter) but Śloka no. 23 is in Rucirā Chanda. It is commonly seen in Mahākāvyas that the ending verse of a chapter is in a different meter by the author. This Ms. is Written in 7 lines per folio. Cover and back page contain title in-squared in a double red vertical and horizontal rectangular margin. There are double red vertical margins on each side of the folio. The Title, introduction of speakers, double straight line brackets are in red. Mistakes are covered with yellow or overwritten. Numerals have been rubbed with orange powder for highlighting.