Shloka 61
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ११०: पार्थभीमयोः प्रहारः तथा भीष्माभिमुखं संग्रामविस्तारः
Arjuna and Bhima’s pressure; escalation toward Bhishma
(युद्धादन्यत्र हे वत्सा: व्रियन्तां मा विशड्कथ ।) सर्वात्मनापि कर्तास्मि यदपि स्यात् सुदुष्करम् । उस समय कुरुकुलके पितामह महाबाहु भीष्मने उन सब लोगोंसे कहा--'वृष्णिनन्दन! आपका स्वागत है। धनंजय! तुम्हारा भी स्वागत है। धर्मपुत्र युधिष्ठि
yuddhād anyatra he vatsāḥ vriyantāṃ mā viśaṅkatha | sarvātmanāpi kartāsmi yad api syāt suduṣkaram ||
Sañjaya said: “O dear sons, ask for anything other than battle; do not hesitate. Even if what you request should be exceedingly difficult, I will accomplish it with my whole being.” In the narrative frame, this is spoken as Bhīṣma’s magnanimous assurance to the Pāṇḍavas and Kṛṣṇa—an ethical gesture of hospitality and paternal goodwill, yet bounded by the grim reality that the one thing he will not grant is the cessation of war itself.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic ideal of generosity and fearlessness in giving—one should fulfill rightful requests wholeheartedly—while also revealing how vows and role-bound duties can impose hard limits, especially in a war governed by kṣatriya obligations.
In Sañjaya’s report, Bhīṣma addresses Kṛṣṇa and the Pāṇḍavas with affectionate welcome and offers to grant any request—except anything that would avert the battle—promising to accomplish even the most difficult boon if it lies outside the sphere of war.