Shloka 41
भीष्मरक्षण-प्रकरणम् / The Protective Screen around Bhīṣma and the Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Clash
अरक्ष्यमाणं हि वृको हन्यात् सिंहं महाहवे । मा वृकेणेव गाड़ेयं घातयेम शिखण्डिना
arakṣyamāṇaṃ hi vṛko hanyāt siṃhaṃ mahāhave | mā vṛkeṇeva gāḍeyaṃ ghātayema śikhaṇḍinā ||
Sañjaya said: “In a great battle, if a lion is left unprotected, even a wolf could strike it down. But we shall not allow Bhīṣma—lion-like in valor—to be slain through Śikhaṇḍin, who is like a wolf.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical stance on warfare: a mighty warrior should not be brought down through a perceived unworthy or indirect means. It emphasizes guarding honor and preventing a revered elder (Bhīṣma) from being slain by exploiting a tactical vulnerability associated with Śikhaṇḍin.
Sañjaya reports the Kurus’ resolve regarding the battlefield situation: Bhīṣma, though supremely powerful, could be endangered if left unsupported. The simile warns that even a ‘wolf’ can kill a ‘lion’ if the lion is unguarded, and declares they will not permit Bhīṣma’s fall through Śikhaṇḍin’s agency.