Bhishma describes the qualities of Hari
Bhishma said: "Krsna is the oldest in the worlds. He who does not accept the homage shown to him, deserves neither kind words, nor conciliation. A ksatriya who is supreme among warriors and having defeated a ksatriya in battle, sets him free from captivity, becomes his preceptor. In this assembly of kings, I do not see a lord of the earth who has not been defeated in battle through Satvata's energy.
Many bulls among kshatriyas have been defeated by Krsna in battle. The entire universe and everything are established in Varsneya. Therefore, though there are elders here, we show homage to Krsna and no one else. You should not speak as you did. Your thoughts should not be of that kind.
He is the source of all happiness on earth, all the honest of the earth honour him. We offered him the homage because we knew of his fame, valour and victories. There is no one here, however young, who has not been examined. Passing over many who possess qualities and age, we chose Hari as the most deserving of honour.
He is the oldest among brahmanas in knowledge and among kshatriyas, he is the greatest in strength. Both these are firm grounds for Govinda to be worshipped. He is learned in the Vedas and Vedangas and has infinite strength. Is there anyone else in the world of men who is as distinguished as Kesava?
In Acyuta can always be found generosity, dexterity, learning, valour, modesty, deeds, supreme intelligence, humility, beauty, steadfastness, satisfaction and prosperity. Therefore, he has every quality. He is the teacher, father and preceptor. He is fit to be honoured and worthy of worship. Hrishikesha is the officiating priest, the preceptor, the bridegroom, the snātaka, the king and the friend. Therefore, Acyuta has been shown the homage.
The worlds owe their origin to Krsna and in him are they dissolved. It is in Krsna that all the beings of this universe are established. He is passive nature, he is the active doer and he is eternal. He is supreme among all beings and it is for this reason that Acyuta is the eldest. Intelligence, mind, greatness, wind, energy, water, sky, earth and the four kinds of beings—are all established in Krsna.
The sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, the directions and the intermediate directions—are all established in Krsna. Since he does not know that Krsna is always everywhere, this Shishupala is only a child and utters these words.
- 35, Argabhiharana parva, Mahabharata.