Shloka 2
भीष्म–जामदग्न्यसंवादः (Amba-prasaṅga and Kurukṣetra Dvandva Declaration) / Bhishma–Jamadagnya Dialogue
आरोह स्यन्दनं वीर कवचं च महाभुज । बधान समरे राम यदि योद्धुं मयेच्छसि,“महाबाहो! वीरवर राम! यदि आप समरभूमिमें मेरे साथ युद्ध करना चाहते हैं तो रथपर आरूढ़ होइये और कवच भी बाँध लीजिये
āroha syandanaṃ vīra kavacaṃ ca mahābhuja | badhāna samare rāma yadi yoddhuṃ mayecchasi ||
Bhīṣma addresses Rāma with warriorly courtesy and firm resolve: “O hero, mighty-armed one—mount your chariot and fasten your armor. If you truly wish to fight me on the battlefield, prepare yourself.” The line frames combat as a regulated, face-to-face contest governed by kṣatriya discipline, where readiness and proper equipment are part of honorable conduct.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in conflict, dharma demands propriety: a worthy opponent is invited to prepare fully, emphasizing honorable, regulated combat rather than opportunistic violence.
Bhīṣma directly challenges Rāma (Paraśurāma), telling him to mount his chariot and don armor if he intends to fight—signaling that the confrontation is imminent and will be conducted as a formal warrior duel.