Shloka 18
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
चित्राड़दं कौरवाणामाधिपत्ये5भ्यषेचयम् । विचित्रवीर्य च शिशुं यौवराज्ये5 भ्यषेचयम्,माता सत्यवतीके ज्येष्ठ पुत्र चित्रांगगको कौरवोंके राज्यपर और बालक विचित्रवीर्यको युवराजके पदपर अभिषिक्त कर दिया था
citrāṅgadaṃ kauravāṇām ādhipatye 'bhiṣecayam | vicitravīryaṃ ca śiśuṃ yauvarājye 'bhiṣecayam ||
Bhīṣma said: “I had Citraṅgada consecrated to the sovereignty of the Kauravas, and I had the child Vicitravīrya consecrated as heir-apparent. Thus, for the stability of the Kuru line and the orderly transmission of rule, I established the elder in kingship and the younger in the position of crown prince.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadharma in practice: legitimate succession and orderly installation of rulers are duties undertaken to preserve stability, prevent conflict, and protect the continuity of the dynasty.
Bhīṣma recounts how he arranged the royal consecrations: Citraṅgada was installed as king over the Kuru realm, while the younger Vicitravīrya—still a child—was installed as yuvarāja (crown prince), ensuring a clear line of succession.