Shloka 8
भीष्मधनंजयद्वैरथम्
Bhīṣma–Dhanaṃjaya Duel and the Opening Clash
सौभटद्रे भीमसेने च सात्यकौ च महारथे । कैकेये च विराटे च धृष्टद्युम्ने च पार्षते
saubhadre bhīmasene ca sātyakau ca mahārathe | kaikeye ca virāṭe ca dhṛṣṭadyumne ca pārṣate ||
Sañjaya said: (Bhishma) directed his assault against Saubhadra (Abhimanyu), Bhimasena, and the great chariot-warrior Satyaki; and also against the Kekaya prince, Virata, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata. As the battle began, the formidable grandsire Bhishma lifted his bow, fastened his armor, and surged forward, showering arrows upon these heroes and upon the warriors of Chedi and Matsya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kshatriya-dharma in its stark form: once battle is joined, a commander must act decisively and without hesitation, even against renowned heroes. It also implicitly raises the ethical tension of war—duty and loyalty driving violence—setting the stage for reflection on righteous conduct amid destruction.
As the fighting begins, Bhishma advances fully armed and targets key Pandava-aligned champions—Abhimanyu, Bhima, Satyaki, the Kekaya warrior, Virata, and Dhrishtadyumna—while also striking Chedi and Matsya troops, unleashing a heavy barrage of arrows to assert Kuru momentum.