Shloka 21
Cyavana’s Yogic Display and Kuśika’s Recognition of Tapas (च्यवन-योगप्रभावः कुशिकस्य तपःप्रशंसा च)
भीष्म उवाच नहुषस्य वच: श्रुत्वा गविजात: प्रतापवान् । उवाच हर्षयन् सर्वानमात्यान् पार्थिवं च तम्
bhīṣma uvāca nahuṣasya vacaḥ śrutvā gavijātaḥ pratāpavān | uvāca harṣayan sarvān amātyān pārthivaṃ ca tam ||
भीष्मजी बोले—राजन्! नहुष की बात सुनकर, गाय के उदर से उत्पन्न वे प्रतापी महर्षि, राजा और उसके समस्त मन्त्रियों को आनन्दित करते हुए बोले।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical power of timely, well-chosen speech: words that are appropriate and wise can bring clarity and joy to rulers and their advisers, supporting dharmic governance.
Bhishma narrates that after Nahusha speaks, a powerful sage described as ‘cow-born’ responds; his reply pleases both the king and the assembled ministers, indicating a favorable turning point in the courtly exchange.