Shloka 30
एवं दश दिशो भीष्म: शरजालै: समन्तत: । अतीत्य सेनां पार्थानामवतस्थे चमूमुखे
evaṁ daśa diśo bhīṣmaḥ śarajālaiḥ samantataḥ | atītya senāṁ pārthānām avatasthau camūmukhe ||
Sañjaya said: Thus Bhīṣma, spreading a net-like shower of arrows in all ten directions, broke through the Pāṇḍavas’ forces and took his stand at the very forefront of the host. The scene underscores the grim ethic of kṣatriya warfare: mastery and resolve on the battlefield can decide formations and morale, even as the larger conflict remains bound to questions of rightful duty and the cost of violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness and tactical excellence in battle—how disciplined force and command presence can dominate the field—while implicitly reminding the listener that such prowess operates within the larger moral tension of a dharma-conflict.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīṣma saturates the battlefield with arrows in every direction, overwhelms the Pāṇḍava ranks, and then positions himself at the very front of the Kaurava host, asserting control over the engagement.