Shloka 15
भीष्मवधाय प्रयाणम् — The Advance toward Bhīṣma and Counter-Engagements
दृष्टवा रथस्थांस्तान् शूरान् सूर्याग्निसमतेजस: । सवनिव महेष्वासान् भ्राजमानान् श्रिया वृतान्
sañjaya uvāca |
dṛṣṭvā rathasthāṁs tān śūrān sūryāgnisamatejasaḥ |
savanīva maheṣvāsān bhrājamānān śriyā vṛtān |
قال سنجيا: لما رأوا أولئك الأبطال على عرباتهم—متلألئين كالشمس والنار، رماة قسيّ عظامًا، يشرقون بهاءً وتحيط بهم السعادة—ارتدّ (الخصوم) عن الميدان؛ ولم يتراجع في تلك المعركة العظمى إلا بهيماسينا، ابنُك الجبار.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral-psychological dimension of kṣatriya-dharma: true valor is steadiness under fear and awe. Many withdraw when confronted by overwhelming splendor and power, while Bhīma stands firm—illustrating courage as ethical resolve, not mere aggression.
Sañjaya describes a battlefield moment: formidable chariot-borne heroes, blazing like sun and fire and adorned with splendor, advance. Their appearance intimidates others into retreat; Bhīmasena alone remains unshaken and does not fall back.