Shloka 18
भीष्म–जामदग्न्यसंवादः (Amba-prasaṅga and Kurukṣetra Dvandva Declaration) / Bhishma–Jamadagnya Dialogue
ततो<हं तं नमस्कृत्य रथमारुहय सत्वर: । प्राध्मापयं रणे शड्खं पुनर्हेमपरिष्कृतम्,तब मैं उन्हें नमस्कार करके शीघ्र ही रथपर जा बैठा और उस युद्धभूमिमें मैंने पुनः अपने सुवर्णजटित शंखको बजाया
tato 'haṃ taṃ namaskṛtya ratham āruhya satvaraḥ | prādhmāpayaṃ raṇe śaṅkhaṃ punar hemapariṣkṛtam ||
ثم إني انحنيت له إجلالًا وقدّمت له التحية، وصعدتُ العربة مسرعًا. وهناك في ساحة القتال نفختُ مرةً أخرى في صدفي، وقد زُيِّن حديثًا بالذهب—إشارةً إلى الاستعداد لقتالٍ يقوم على الدارما، وإلى عزمٍ راسخ على الفعل بعد أداء واجب التوقير.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined conduct before conflict: one first offers due respect (namaskāra) and then acts decisively. Ethical action in war is framed as proceeding with reverence and resolve rather than impulsive aggression.
The speaker (Rama) salutes a respected figure, quickly mounts his chariot, and blows a gold-adorned conch on the battlefield—an audible declaration of preparedness and the formal commencement of martial engagement.