Shloka 13
Viśvāmitra-janma: Ṛcīka–Satyavatī–Gādhi and the Charu Exchange (विश्वामित्र-जन्म: ऋचीक–सत्यवती–गाधि वृत्तान्तः)
भीष्म उवाच ततः स भृगुशार्दूलक्ष्यवनस्यात्मज: प्रभु: । अब्रवीद् वरुणं देवमादित्यं पतिमम्भसाम्
bhīṣma uvāca tataḥ sa bhṛguśārdūlaḥ cyavanasyātmajaḥ prabhuḥ | abravīd varuṇaṃ devam ādityaṃ patim ambhasām ||
Bhīṣma berkata, “Kemudian Ṛcīka—sang resi perkasa, putra Cyavana, harimau di antara kaum Bhṛgu—mendatangi Varuṇa, Āditya ilahi, penguasa segala perairan, lalu menyapanya.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a dharmic approach to power and problem-solving: even a great sage proceeds by respectful address to a deity who embodies cosmic order (Varuṇa), implying that rightful outcomes are sought through lawful, reverent engagement with higher moral authority rather than mere force.
Bhīṣma continues his account by introducing the next action: the powerful Bhṛgu-sage R̥cīka, son of Cyavana, goes to Varuṇa—described as an Āditya and lord of the waters—and begins to speak to him, setting up the ensuing request or dialogue.