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 ||
Wika ni Bhishma: Hindi kalayuan sa Kanyakubja ay may isang napakainam na pampang ng Ilog Gaṅgā. Hanggang ngayon, itinuturo pa rin iyon ng mga tao at tinatawag na “Aśvatīrtha” — ang Tawiran ng Kabayo — upang mapanatili sa pangalan at kaugalian ang alaala ng isang banal na pook.
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.