Shloka 14
हतशिष्टैनुपैश्चान्यै्नानादेशसमागतै: । रक्षिभिश्व महात्मानं रक्ष्यमाणं समन्ततः,नाना देशोंसे आये हुए नरेश, जो मरनेसे बच गये थे, रक्षक बनकर चारों ओरसे महात्मा भीष्मकी रक्षा करते थे
hataśiṣṭair nṛpaiś cānyair nānādeśasamāgataiḥ | rakṣibhiś ca mahātmānaṃ rakṣyamāṇaṃ samantataḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The kings who had survived the slaughter, along with other rulers who had come from many different lands, stood as guards all around, protecting the great-souled Bhīṣma as he was kept under watch and care on every side. The scene underscores a dharmic reversal: even after war, honor and duty compel the living to safeguard the venerable elder, acknowledging his stature beyond factional enmity.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after violent conflict, dharma requires honoring and protecting the venerable and righteous; kṣatriya duty includes safeguarding a revered elder like Bhīṣma, recognizing moral stature beyond partisan hostility.
Surviving kings and other rulers who have gathered from many regions form a protective guard around Bhīṣma, ensuring his safety and care on all sides.