Shloka 27
विराटस्य प्रियो भ्राता शतानीको निपातित: । शतानीकं च समरे हत्वा भीष्म: प्रतापवान्
virāṭasya priyo bhrātā śatānīko nipātitaḥ | śatānīkaṃ ca samare hatvā bhīṣmaḥ pratāpavān ||
Sañjaya said: Virāṭa’s beloved brother, Śatānīka, was struck down. Having slain Śatānīka in the thick of battle, the mighty Bhīṣma advanced.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of righteous warfare as conceived in the epic: warriors act from duty and allegiance, yet the outcome is tragic—beloved relatives of allies can be cut down. It invites reflection on kṣatriya-dharma (martial duty) and the ethical weight of violence even when performed by renowned elders like Bhīṣma.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma, fighting for the Kauravas, has slain Śatānīka, described as Virāṭa’s dear brother, during the battle.