Shloka 3
Bhīṣma’s Fall, the Arrow-bed (śara-talpa), and the Establishment of Guard
निमित्तानि निमित्तज्ञ: सर्वतो वीक्ष्य वीर्यवान् प्रतपन्तमनीकानि द्रोण: पुत्रमभाषत
nimittāni nimittajñaḥ sarvato vīkṣya vīryavān | pratapantam anīkāni droṇaḥ putram abhāṣata ||
Sañjaya said: Drona, mighty and skilled in reading omens, surveyed the signs on every side. Seeing the battle-formations blazing with martial ardor, he addressed his son.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent leadership: before decisive action, a responsible commander observes circumstances and interprets signs (nimitta) rather than acting blindly. It suggests that power and duty should be guided by discernment, acknowledging both human agency and the larger currents that may be indicated by omens.
Sañjaya narrates that Droṇa, noticing various portents and surveying the battlefield where the armies are intensely engaged, turns to address his son Aśvatthāman—setting up an instruction, warning, or strategic counsel in response to what he perceives.