Shloka 45
भीष्मभीमसमागमः — Bhīṣma–Bhīma Strategic Engagement and Counsel to the King
ते हन्यमाना: पार्थन भीष्म शान्तनवं ययु: । अगाधे मज्जमानानां भीष्म: पोतो5भवत् तदा
te hanyamānāḥ pārthān bhīṣmaśāntanavaṁ yayuḥ | agādhe majjamānānāṁ bhīṣmaḥ poto 'bhavat tadā ||
Sañjaya sprach: Während sie niedergestreckt wurden, wandten sich die Krieger Bhīṣma zu, dem Sohn Śāntanus. Für jene, die in den unergründlichen Tiefen der Schlacht zu versinken drohten, wurde Bhīṣma damals wie ein Fährboot — unmittelbarer Zufluchtsort und Mittel, die Gefahr zu überqueren.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a moral and strategic crisis, people instinctively seek a steady protector; the verse uses the image of a ferry-boat to show how a leader’s firmness and reputation can become a lifeline for those overwhelmed by danger.
As the combat intensifies and warriors are being struck, they rally toward Bhīṣma. He functions as their main support on the battlefield, compared to a boat rescuing those who are drowning in deep waters.