Shloka 17
Viśvāmitra-janma: Ṛcīka–Satyavatī–Gādhi and the Charu Exchange (विश्वामित्र-जन्म: ऋचीक–सत्यवती–गाधि वृत्तान्तः)
अदूरे कान्यकुब्जस्य गज्जायास्तीरमुत्तमम् । अश्वतीर्थ तदद्यापि मानवै: परिचक्ष्यते,कन्नौजके पास ही गंगाजीका वह उत्तम तट आज भी मानवोंद्वारा अश्वतीर्थ कहलाता है
adūre kānyakubjasya gaṅgāyās tīram uttamam | aśvatīrtha tad adyāpi mānavaiḥ paricakṣyate ||
अदूरे कान्यकुब्जस्य गङ्गायास्तीरमुत्तमम् । अश्वतीर्थमिति ख्यातं तदद्यापि प्रचक्ष्यते ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how sacred places (tīrthas) are preserved through collective remembrance and naming. Ethical and religious life in the Mahabharata is tied not only to abstract rules but also to lived tradition—sites associated with merit, vows, or exemplary acts remain markers that guide later generations toward dharmic practice.
Bhishma is identifying a specific holy location near Kanyakubja on the Ganga’s bank. He notes that it is still known among people as Aśvatīrtha, indicating an established pilgrimage-site or renowned ford whose name continues in common recognition.