Duḥṣantasya Vana-praveśaḥ
King Duḥṣanta’s Entry into the Forest Hunt
तथा भीष्म: शान्तनवो गड़ायाममितद्युति: | वसुवीर्यात् समभवन्महावीर्यो महायशा:,अमिततेजस्वी शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्म आठवें वसुके अंशसे तथा गंगाजीके गर्भसे उत्पन्न हुए। वे महान् पराक्रमी और अत्यन्त यशस्वी थे
tathā bhīṣmaḥ śāntanavo gaṅgāyām amitadyutiḥ | vasuvīryāt samabhavan mahāvīryo mahāyaśāḥ ||
Daśa said: Thus Bhīṣma, the radiant son of Śāntanu, was born of Gaṅgā, through the potency of the Vasu. He became a man of great valor and far-reaching fame—an embodiment of strength and renown, destined to uphold the royal line through steadfast duty.
दाश उवाच
The verse highlights how extraordinary virtue and power can arise from a convergence of human lineage and divine causation, framing Bhīṣma’s greatness as a foundation for later dharmic responsibility and renown.
Daśa narrates Bhīṣma’s origin: he is Śāntanu’s son, born from Gaṅgā, and connected to the essence/potency of the Vasus; the verse emphasizes his exceptional radiance, valor, and fame.