(The SH in this name is pronounced like one between 's' in 'seal' and 'sh' in 'ship'. )
Also see the link 'USHEENARA'.
Shibi was the ruler Usheenara province in ancient times.
As is the custom of the Samskritham language, a country's name is given after its inhabbitants and is always used in plural. A plural usage indicates the province as well as its people. Thus Usheenaras means the Usheenara province and its kings or its people or its fighters or its army too.
Shibi was known for his generousity in alms and truthfulness. Once a dove chased by a hawk ran to him and took refuge with him. The king harboured it and [romised safety. Then the hawk came and demanded release of the dove stating that the king was not justified in depriving it of the natural food it was acquiring by itself through natural means. But, the king was firm in saving his refugee. He promised the hawk to donate as much flesh from his body as the dove weighs. The hawk agreed. Shibi arranged for a balance to weigh and placed the dove in one plate of the balance . He cut off a piece of flesh from his body and placed in the plate on the other side of the balance. The flesh was not sufficient to counterweigh the dove. Shibi added a few more pieces. Still, the dove was heavier. Shibi went on adding pieces of flesh but it was not sufficient to weigh equally against the dove's weight. Finally, shibi himself sat in the balance when the weights were shown equal. He offered himself to the hawk to eat and save the dove. Then the hawk and dove both vanished and Indra and Agni appeared before the king. They admired Shibi's generousity and sacrifice.
Even today, Shibi is quoted as an example for generousity and sacrifice.
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA