Shloka 24
Bhīṣma’s Fall, the Arrow-bed (śara-talpa), and the Establishment of Guard
विजयी च रणे नित्यं भैरवास्त्रश्ष पाण्डव: । तस्य मार्ग परिहरन् द्रुतं गच्छ यतव्रत
sañjaya uvāca | vijayī ca raṇe nityaṃ bhairavāstraś ca pāṇḍavaḥ | tasya mārgaṃ pariharan drutaṃ gaccha yatavrata ||
Sañjaya said: “The Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) is ever victorious in battle, and his weapons are truly dreadful. Therefore, O son devoted to noble vows, avoid his path and go quickly—so that Bhīṣma may be protected.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid war, discernment and restraint are urged: when facing an overwhelmingly capable opponent, one should avoid needless confrontation and act swiftly to protect a higher priority—here, safeguarding Bhīṣma.
Sañjaya reports a tactical warning: Arjuna is consistently victorious and wields fearsome weapons, so the addressed warrior is advised to steer clear of Arjuna’s route and hurry to defend Bhīṣma.