Shloka 9
Dvīpa–Sāgara–Parvata Varṇana and Svarbhānu
Rāhu) Graha-pramāṇa (Dvīpas, Oceans, Mountains, and Astral Measures
शरदंष्टो धनुर्वक्त्र: खड्गजिह्नलो दुरासद: । नरसिंह: पिता ते5द्य पाज्चाल्येन निपातित:,जो मनुष्योंमें सिंह थे, बाण ही जिनकी दाढ़ें थीं, धनुष जिनका फैला हुआ मुख था, तलवार ही जिनकी जिह्ला थी और इसीलिये जिनके पास पहुँचना किसीके लिये भी अत्यन्त कठिन था, वे ही आपके पिता भीष्म आज पांचालराजकुमार शिखण्डीके द्वारा मार गिराये गये
sañjaya uvāca | śarad-aṁṣṭro dhanur-vaktraḥ khaḍga-jihvalo durāsadaḥ | nara-siṁhaḥ pitā te 'dya pāñcālyena nipātitaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Your father Bhīṣma—lion among men, whose arrows were like teeth, whose bow was his gaping mouth, whose sword was his tongue, and who was therefore nearly unapproachable in battle—has today been struck down by the Pāñcāla prince (Śikhaṇḍin). The report underscores the grim moral weight of war: even the most venerable and formidable elder can fall when the conflict turns to stratagem and destiny.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral gravity and inevitability within war: even the most venerable protector can be brought down when dharma, vows, and battlefield constraints intersect. It invites reflection on how power is limited by ethical commitments and destiny.
Sañjaya informs Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma has been felled on the battlefield, attributing the fall to the Pāñcāla prince (Śikhaṇḍin). The imagery portrays Bhīṣma as a near-unstoppable warrior, making his downfall a major turning point.