Shloka 4
Adhyāya 69: Strategic duels under Bhīṣma’s command
Virāṭa–Bhīṣma; Arjuna–Aśvatthāmā; Bhīma–Duryodhana; Abhimanyu–Lakṣmaṇa
को न्वयं यो भगवता प्रणम्य विनयाद् विभो । वाम्भि: स्तुतो वरिष्ठाभि: श्रोतुमिच्छाम तं वयम्,'प्रभो! आपने विनयपूर्वक प्रणाम करके श्रेष्ठ वचनोंद्वारा जिनकी स्तुति की है, ये कौन थे? हम उनके विषयमें सुनना चाहते हैं!
ko nv ayaṁ yo bhagavatā praṇamya vinayād vibho | vāgbhiḥ stuto variṣṭhābhiḥ śrotum icchāma taṁ vayam ||
قال بهيشما: «أيها الجبّار، من ذاك الذي انحنيتَ له تواضعًا وسجدتَ، ثم أثنيتَ عليه بأفصح وأشرف الكلام؟ نودّ أن نسمع خبره.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights vinaya (humility) as a mark of dharmic conduct: true greatness is shown by respectful inquiry and by honoring worthy persons through sincere praise.
Bhishma addresses a powerful interlocutor and asks for identification and further account of the person who was previously saluted with humility and praised in excellent words, requesting to hear that person’s story or qualities.