Shloka 17
Bhīṣma’s Yogic Departure, Royal Cremation, and Gaṅgā’s Lament (भीष्मस्य योगयुक्त्या देहत्यागः, पितृमेधः, गङ्गाविलापः)
पुत्रस्ते सदृशस्तात विशिष्टो वा भविष्यति । महाप्रभावसंयुक्तो दीप्तिकीर्तिकर: प्रभु:
putras te sadṛśas tāta viśiṣṭo vā bhaviṣyati | mahāprabhāvasaṃyukto dīptikīrtikaraḥ prabhuḥ ||
Nārada dit : «Ô cher ami, tu obtiendras un fils qui te ressemblera — ou même te surpassera. Doué d’une grande puissance et d’une vaste influence, rayonnant de présence, il sera artisan et propagateur de la renommée, et pleinement capable dans l’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.