Shloka 48
Amba approaches the Paraśurāma context; Hotravāhana’s counsel and Akṛtavraṇa’s report (अम्बोपाख्यानम्—रामदर्शनप्रसङ्गः)
निर्जित्य पृथिवीपालानथ भीष्मो गजाह्नयम् | आजगाम विशुद्धात्मा कन्याभि: सह भारत:,भरतनन्दन भीष्मका हृदय इन कन्याओंके प्रति सर्वथा शुद्ध था। वे समस्त भूपालोंको परास्त करके कन्याओंको साथ लिये हस्तिनापुरमें आये
nirjitya pṛthivīpālān atha bhīṣmo gajāhnavam | ājagāma viśuddhātmā kanyābhiḥ saha bhārata ||
Nachdem er die Könige der Erde besiegt hatte, kam Bhīṣma, lauter in seiner Absicht, mit den Jungfrauen nach Gajāhnava (Hastināpura).
होत्रवाहन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical distinction between outward action and inner intention: Bhīṣma’s martial act is presented as serving dynastic and kṣatriya obligations, while emphasizing his personal purity and lack of selfish desire toward the maidens.
After overcoming rival kings, Bhīṣma returns to Gajāhnava (Hastināpura) accompanied by the maidens he has secured, marking the completion of a politically charged contest tied to marriage alliances.