Shloka 17
पुत्रस्ते सदृशस्तात विशिष्टो वा भविष्यति । महाप्रभावसंयुक्तो दीप्तिकीर्तिकर: प्रभु:,तात! आपको आपके समान अथवा आपसे भी बढ़कर पुत्र प्राप्त हो। वह महान् प्रभावसे युक्त, दीप्तिमान्, कीर्तिका विस्तार करनेवाला और सर्वसमर्थ हो”
putras te sadṛśas tāta viśiṣṭo vā bhaviṣyati | mahāprabhāvasaṃyukto dīptikīrtikaraḥ prabhuḥ ||
Nārada said: “Dear one, you shall obtain a son who will be like you—or even superior to you. Endowed with great power and influence, radiant in presence, he will be a maker and spreader of fame, and fully capable in action.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames progeny as a continuation—and possible elevation—of one’s virtues and capacities: an ideal son is envisioned as powerful yet radiant in reputation, suggesting that true greatness is measured not only by strength (prabhāva) but also by the ethical glow of fame (kīrti) earned through worthy conduct.
Nārada delivers a boon-like assurance: the addressed person will have a son who matches or surpasses him, characterized by exceptional influence, brilliance, and the ability to expand renown—language typical of prophetic blessings in the Mahābhārata’s didactic contexts.