Shloka 51
Viśvāmitra-janma: Ṛcīka–Satyavatī–Gādhi and the Charu Exchange (विश्वामित्र-जन्म: ऋचीक–सत्यवती–गाधि वृत्तान्तः)
याज्ञवल्क्यश्नल विख्यातस्तथा स्थूणो महाव्रत: । उलूको यमदूतश्न तथर्षि: सैन्धवायन:
yājñavalkyaśnala vikhyātas tathā sthūṇo mahāvrataḥ | ulūko yamadūtaśna tatharṣiḥ saindhavāyanaḥ ||
பீஷ்மர் கூறினார்—யாஜ்ஞவல்க்யஷ்நலன் புகழ்பெற்றவன்; அதுபோல மகாவிரதன் ஸ்தூணன். மேலும் யமதூதங்களை உண்ணும் உலூகன்; அத்துடன் சைந்தவாயன முனிவர்.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as an ethical-narrative catalogue of exemplars: it highlights figures known for fame, severe vows, and extraordinary spiritual power, implying that dharma is upheld through disciplined conduct and the presence of authoritative sages.
Bhīṣma is listing notable ascetics/sages by name—Yājñavalkyaśnala, Sthūṇa, Ulūka, and Saindhavāyana—within a broader discourse that invokes respected authorities to frame and support teachings on dharma and right conduct.