Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 19
The Kuru Line, Bhīṣma and Vyāsa; Pāṇḍavas, Parīkṣit, and Future Kings
Chandravaṁśa Continuation
सोमवंशे कलौ नष्टे कृतादौ स्थापयिष्यति । बाह्लीकात्सोमदत्तोऽभूद् भूरिर्भूरिश्रवास्तत: ॥ १८ ॥ शलश्च शान्तनोरासीद् गङ्गायां भीष्म आत्मवान् । सर्वधर्मविदां श्रेष्ठो महाभागवत: कवि: ॥ १९ ॥
soma-vaṁśe kalau naṣṭe kṛtādau sthāpayiṣyati bāhlīkāt somadatto ’bhūd bhūrir bhūriśravās tataḥ
कलियुगात सोमवंश नष्ट झाल्यावर पुढील सत्ययुगाच्या आरंभी देवापी या लोकी सोमवंशाची पुनर्स्थापना करील. बाह्लीकापासून सोमदत्त झाला; त्याचे भूरि, भूरिश्रवा आणि शल हे पुत्र होते. आणि शांतनूच्या गंगेच्या गर्भातून भीष्म जन्मला—आत्मवान, धर्मज्ञांमध्ये श्रेष्ठ, महाभागवत व कवी।
FAQs
This verse praises Bhīṣma as ātmavān (self-controlled), the foremost knower of dharma, and a mahā-bhāgavata—an exalted devotee of the Lord, also described as a kavi (seer-poet).
Because his life embodies steadfast devotion and uncompromising commitment to dharma; the Bhagavatam highlights him as a great devotee, not merely a heroic warrior.
Practice ātmavattā—self-mastery and integrity—by choosing principled action over convenience, and grounding decisions in dharma (duty, truthfulness, and responsibility).