Shloka 656
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ११०: पार्थभीमयोः प्रहारः तथा भीष्माभिमुखं संग्रामविस्तारः
Arjuna and Bhima’s pressure; escalation toward Bhishma
पश्यामस्त्वां महाबाहो रथे सूर्यमिवापरम् । “आप युद्धमें सदा मण्डलाकार धनुषके साथ ही परिलक्षित होते हैं। महाबाहो! आप रथपर दूसरे सूर्यके समान विराजमान होकर कब बाण हाथमें लेते हैं
paśyāmas tvāṃ mahābāho rathe sūryam ivāparam |
Sañjaya said: “We behold you, O mighty-armed one, standing upon your chariot like a second sun. Ever seen with your bow moving in a perfect circle in battle, you act with such speed—taking arrows in hand, setting them to the bow, and drawing the string—that we cannot even perceive the sequence of your actions.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of kṣatriya excellence: disciplined mastery used in the grave context of war. Sañjaya’s awe underscores that true prowess is not mere violence but trained skill, composure, and effectiveness in fulfilling one’s duty amid chaos.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, describing a warrior on a chariot shining like a second sun. The warrior’s archery is so rapid—taking arrows, nocking them, and drawing the string—that observers cannot even track the movements, emphasizing overwhelming battlefield dominance.