Shloka 64
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
ज्येष्ठा काशिपते: कन्या अम्बानामेति विश्रुता । द्रुपदस्य कुले जाता शिखण्डी भरतर्षभ,भरतश्रेष्ठी काशिराजकी ज्येष्ठ कन्या, जो अम्बा नामसे विख्यात थी, वही द्रुपदके कुलमें शिखण्डीके रूपमें उत्पन्न हुई है
jyeṣṭhā kāśipateḥ kanyā ambā nāmeti viśrutā | drupadasya kule jātā śikhaṇḍī bharatarṣabha ||
قال بهيشما: «إن الابنةَ الكبرى لملك كاشي، المشهورة باسم أمبا، قد وُلِدت من جديد في سلالة دروبادا باسم شيكاندي، يا ثورَ آلِ بهاراتا.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights karmic continuity: unresolved harm and intense resolve can carry across lives, returning as a force that restores moral balance. It also implies an ethical warning—actions, especially those affecting others’ life-paths, can have far-reaching consequences.
Bhishma identifies Śikhaṇḍī as the rebirth of Ambā, the eldest princess of Kāśī. This recognition explains why Śikhaṇḍī becomes pivotal in the events leading to Bhishma’s downfall in the war.