Shloka 24
भीष्म उवाच ततस्तृतीये दिवसे संदिदेश व्यवस्थित: । कुरु प्रियं स मे राजन् प्राप्तोडस्मीति महाव्रतः
bhīṣma uvāca tatastṛtīye divase saṃdideśa vyavasthitaḥ | kuru priyaṃ sa me rājan prāpto ’smi iti mahāvrataḥ ||
ভীষ্ম বললেন—তারপর তৃতীয় দিনে এক স্থানে স্থির হয়ে মহাব্রতধারী পরশুরাম আমাকে সংবাদ পাঠালেন—“রাজন! আমি এখানে এসেছি; তুমি আমার প্রিয় কাজটি করো।”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahabharata ethical pressure-point: when a powerful, revered figure issues a demand, one must still weigh the request against dharma and one’s own vowed obligations. Respect for authority is important, but it can become a test of integrity when it conflicts with duty.
On the third day, Parashurama—described as a great vow-keeper—halts at a place and sends Bhishma a message announcing his arrival and asking Bhishma to do what pleases him, setting the stage for a consequential confrontation or negotiation.