Shloka 39
ब्राह्मणपूजा-राजधर्मः | Royal Duty of Honoring Learned Brahmins
पिताकी आज्ञा पाकर वह शत्रुनगरीपर विजय पानेवाला पराक्रमी वीर शीघ्र ही रथसहित गंगापार करके वीतहतव्यपुत्रोंकी राजधानीकी ओर चल दिया ।।
vaitahavyās tu saṃśrutya rathaghoṣaṃ samuddhatam | niryayur nagarākārair rathaiḥ pararathārujaiḥ ||
Bhishma said: Hearing the thunderous roar of his chariot, the Vaitahavya princes—lion-like warriors skilled in unusual modes of combat—rode out from the city in massive, city-like chariots, armoured and able to shatter enemy cars. Raising their bows, they advanced upon Pratardana, showering him with arrows.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how swiftly martial duty and royal purpose can turn into open battle: once a warrior advances with resolve, equally duty-bound opponents respond. It frames war as a domain where valor, preparedness, and the obligations of kshatriyas drive immediate confrontation.
As Pratardana approaches, the Vaitahavya princes hear the loud roar of his chariot and ride out from their city in enormous, fortress-like chariots designed to smash enemy vehicles. They raise their bows and attack him with a rain of arrows.