Shloka 2
भीष्मरथाभिमुख्यं — Arjuna’s advance with Śikhaṇḍin; Duḥśāsana’s interception
गाड़ेयो रथिनां श्रेष्ठ; पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम् । व्यधमन्निशितैर्बाणै: शतशो5थ सहस्रश:,रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ गंगानन्दन भीष्मने सैकड़ों और हजारों तीखे बाणोंकी वर्षा करके पाण्डवोंकी विशाल सेनाको नष्ट करना आरम्भ किया
gāṅgeyo rathināṁ śreṣṭhaḥ pāṇḍavānām anīkinīm | vyadhamann iśitaiḥ bāṇaiḥ śataśo ’tha sahasraśaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Bhīṣma, the son of the Gaṅgā and foremost among chariot-warriors, began to shatter the Pāṇḍavas’ great host, showering it with sharp arrows by the hundreds and by the thousands.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary skill and revered status do not exempt one from the harsh demands of pledged duty in war. It invites reflection on dharma in conflict: personal virtue and martial excellence can still serve destructive ends when bound by vows, allegiance, and the momentum of a righteous-yet-tragic war.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma, leading the Kaurava side, begins a fierce assault on the Pāṇḍava forces, raining sharp arrows in massive volleys and breaking their formations.