Shloka 56
महाभिषश्न विख्यातो निमिराजा तथाष्टक: । आयु: क्षुपश्च राजर्षि: कक्षेयुश्न नराधिप:
mahābhiṣaś ca vikhyāto nimi-rājā tathāṣṭakaḥ | āyuḥ kṣupaś ca rājarṣiḥ kakṣeyuś ca narādhipaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “Also renowned are King Mahābhiṣa, King Nimi, and Aṣṭaka; likewise Āyu, the royal sage Kṣupa, and the ruler Kakṣeyu.” Here Bhīṣma continues his auspicious remembrance of exemplary kings and royal sages, teaching that recalling and reciting their names elevates conduct and strengthens dharma through reverence for righteous rule and self-discipline.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse supports the dharmic practice of honoring exemplary rulers and royal sages: remembering their names and fame is presented as morally uplifting, encouraging ideals of righteous governance, self-restraint, and merit-bearing remembrance.
Bhishma continues a catalog of celebrated kings and rājarṣis, naming Mahābhiṣa, Nimi, Aṣṭaka, Āyu, Kṣupa, and Kakṣeyu as part of a longer recitation of worthy rulers whose remembrance is praised.