Shloka 75
आदि पर्व, अध्याय 67 — गान्धर्वविवाह-समयः
Duḥṣanta–Śakuntalā: Gandharva Marriage and Succession Condition
तेषामवरजो भीष्म: कुरूणामभयंकर: । मतिमान् वेदविद् वाग्मी शत्रुपक्षक्षयंकर:,उनमें सबसे छोटे भीष्म थे, जिन्होंने कौरववंशको निर्भय बना दिया था। वे परम बुद्धिमान, वेदवेत्ता, वक्ता तथा शत्रुपक्षका संहार करनेवाले थे
teṣām avarajo bhīṣmaḥ kurūṇām abhayaṅkaraḥ | matimān vedavid vāgmī śatrupakṣakṣayaṅkaraḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Unter ihnen war der Jüngste Bhīṣma – derjenige, der das Kuru-Geschlecht furchtlos machte. Er war von scharfem Urteil, der Veden kundig, beredt im Wort und ein furchtbarer Zerschmetterer der feindlichen Reihen.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical model of power: true guardianship combines learning (Vedic knowledge), discernment, and eloquence with the capacity to protect one’s community. Strength is praised not as mere aggression but as disciplined force that secures fearlessness for one’s people while remaining grounded in wisdom.
Vaiśampāyana is describing Bhīṣma’s stature and qualities within the Kuru line—presenting him as the youngest among those being listed, yet exceptionally capable: a learned, articulate, and strategically powerful protector who can also devastate opposing forces in battle.