Shloka 36
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
तमुवाच तत:ः पादौ कराभ्यां पीड्य पाण्डव: । भीष्मं शान्तनवं राजा युद्धाय समुपस्थितम्
tam uvāca tataḥ pādau karābhyāṃ pīḍya pāṇḍavaḥ | bhīṣmaṃ śāntanavaṃ rājā yuddhāya samupasthitam ||
Sañjaya sprach: Dann drückte der Pāṇḍava-König in ehrfürchtiger Geste mit beiden Händen die Füße des Großvaters und wandte sich an Bhīṣma, den Sohn Śantanus, der kampfbereit dastand. Die Szene betont die ethische Spannung des Krieges: Selbst wenn der Konflikt unvermeidlich wird, wahrt der Kriegerkönig den Dharma durch Demut, Achtung vor den Ältesten und das Erbitten von Erlaubnis oder Segen, bevor er zur Gewalt schreitet.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in unavoidable conflict, dharma is upheld through humility and reverence: the righteous king honors the elder and seeks moral clarity/permission before engaging in battle, showing that ethical conduct does not cease in wartime.
On the battlefield preparations, Yudhiṣṭhira approaches Bhīṣma, respectfully presses/clasps his feet with both hands, and then speaks to him as Bhīṣma stands ready to fight—highlighting the familial and moral complexity of the Kurukṣetra war.