Shloka 263
विजित्यैकरथेनैव कन्याश्ञायं जहार ह । “काशीपुरीके स्वयंवरमें समस्त भूमण्डलके क्षत्रिय एकत्र हुए थे, किंतु भीष्मने एकमात्र रथकी ही सहायतासे उन सबको जीतकर काशिराजकी तीनों कन््याओंका अपहरण किया था
vijityaikarathenaiva kanyāśñāyaṃ jahāra ha |
Vaiśampāyana said: Having conquered them all with only a single chariot, he carried off the maidens from Kāśī. In the svayaṃvara at Kāśīpura, the kṣatriyas of the whole realm had assembled; yet Bhīṣma, relying solely on his lone chariot and prowess, defeated them and abducted the three daughters of the king of Kāśī.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between kṣatriya ideals of prowess and dynastic duty versus the ethical demands of consent and rightful procedure in marriage. It invites reflection on how dharma can be contested when power is used to secure political or familial aims.
At the svayaṃvara in Kāśī, many kings assemble to win the Kāśirāja’s daughters. Bhīṣma confronts and defeats the assembled kṣatriyas using only his chariot and martial skill, then carries off the three princesses for the Kuru line.