Shloka 30
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
तस्मिंस्तु तुमुले युद्धे वर्तमाने महाभये । अतिसर्वाण्यनीकानि पिता तेडभिव्यरोचत,जिस समय वह अत्यन्त भयानक तुमुल युद्ध छिड़ा हुआ था, उस समय आपके ताऊ भीष्मजी उन समस्त सेनाओंसे ऊपर उठकर अपने तेजसे प्रकाशित हो रहे थे
tasmiṁstu tumule yuddhe vartamāne mahābhaye | atisarvāṇy anīkāni pitā te 'bhyarocata ||
Sañjaya said: While that tumultuous battle—so exceedingly dreadful—was raging, your grandsire Bhīṣma shone forth, rising above all the battle-formations, radiant with his own splendor.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical psychology of war: in a terrifying, chaotic conflict, the presence of a revered and capable leader can ‘outshine’ the mass of forces—symbolizing how authority, discipline, and personal excellence steady an army and influence the performance of duty (kṣatriya-dharma) even amid fear.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that as the great battle rages, Bhīṣma stands out above all the formations, radiant and dominant on the field—signaling the Kaurava side’s reliance on Bhīṣma’s prowess and command.