Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 13
अत्रिणा त्वथ सामर्थ्य कृतमुत्तमतेजसा । द्विजेनाग्निद्धितीयेन जपता चर्मवाससा
atriṇā tv atha sāmarthyaṁ kṛtam uttama-tejasā | dvijena agni-dvitīyena japatā carma-vāsasā ||
Bhīṣma said: “Consider the extraordinary power displayed here by the sage Atri—radiant with supreme spiritual brilliance—by that twice-born who kept the sacred fire as his constant companion, who lived in austere practice, reciting his mantras while clad in a deerskin. Look upon the greatness of his deed. I have already described at length the deeds of that eminent Atri. Therefore I say: the brāhmaṇa is foremost; tell me, which kṣatriya is superior to Atri?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma highlights that true superiority is grounded in tapas, ritual steadiness, and spiritual radiance (tejas). By pointing to Atri’s disciplined life—Agnihotra, japa, and ascetic simplicity—he argues that brahminical excellence is measured by inner power and dharmic practice rather than worldly force.
Bhīṣma is citing the example of the sage Atri’s remarkable accomplishment and asking his listener to recognize Atri’s greatness. He uses this as a rhetorical challenge: if one seeks a kṣatriya greater than Atri, who would it be—implying that Atri’s spiritual achievements surpass typical martial standards of greatness.