Bhisma chanted Vishnu’s name on his death bed...

According to the 149th chapter of Anushāsanaparva in the epic Mahabharata, the names were handed down to Yudihsthira by the famous warrior Bhisma was on his death bed at the battle of Kuruukshetera Yudhisthira asks Bhishma the following questions: kimekam daivatam loke In this universe who is the one Deva of all? (i.e., at whose command all beings function? or who is God of all?)

• kim vāpyekam parāyaṇam
• Who is the one greatest refuge for all?
• stuvantaḥ kam kamarcantaḥ prāpnuyurmānavāḥ subham
• Who is the one Divinity by praising and by worshiping whom a man attains good?
• ko dharmaḥ sarva dharmāṇām bhavataḥ paramo mataḥ
• Which according to you is that highest form of Dharma (capable of bestowing salvation and prosperity on man)?
• kim japan mucyate jantuḥ janmasamsārabandhanāt
• What is that by uttering or reciting which any living being can attain freedom from cycle of births and deaths?

Aum Sairam ....continued