Shloka 15
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
लब्धलक्षतया कार्ष्णे: सर्वे भीष्ममुखा रथा: । सत्त्ववन्तममन्यन्त साक्षादिव धनंजयम्
labdhalakṣatayā kārṣṇeḥ sarve bhīṣmamukhā rathāḥ | sattvavantam amanyanta sākṣād iva dhanañjayam |
Sañjaya said: Seeing Kārṣṇi’s (Abhimanyu’s) sure aim, all the chariot-warriors led by Bhīṣma judged him to be a man of extraordinary valor—indeed, as if he were Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) himself in person. The feat of striking the mark revealed disciplined skill and courage, and it compelled even veteran warriors to acknowledge merit where it appeared, despite the enmity of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid hostility, true excellence compels recognition. The verse highlights kṣatriya values—discipline, courage, and skill—and shows that merit (sattva) can be acknowledged by elders and opponents alike, reinforcing an ethic of honoring prowess and character.
Sañjaya reports that Abhimanyu’s successful target-striking and swift prowess impress the battlefield’s senior chariot-warriors. Bhīṣma and the others, seeing his capability, regard him as virtually equal to Arjuna himself.