Shloka 5
Adhyāya 69: Strategic duels under Bhīṣma’s command
Virāṭa–Bhīṣma; Arjuna–Aśvatthāmā; Bhīma–Duryodhana; Abhimanyu–Lakṣmaṇa
एवमुक्तस्तु भगवान् प्रत्युवाच पितामह: । देवब्रह्यार्षिगन्धर्वान् सर्वान् मधुरया गिरा,उनके इस प्रकार पूछनेपर भगवान् ब्रह्माने उन समस्त देवताओं, ब्रह्मर्षियों और गन्धर्वोंसे मधुर वाणीमें कहा--
evam uktas tu bhagavān pratyuvāca pitāmahaḥ | deva-brahmarṣi-gandharvān sarvān madhurayā girā ||
Thus addressed, the Blessed Grandsire Brahmā replied in return. To all those gods, Brahmarṣis, and Gandharvas, he spoke in a gentle and sweet voice.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical power of speech: even when responding to a query or tension, a wise authority answers with madhurā girā—gentle, measured words—supporting dharma through restraint and clarity rather than aggression.
Bhīṣma narrates that Brahmā, addressed by an assembly of gods, great sages, and Gandharvas, responds to them. The verse functions as a transition into Brahmā’s forthcoming instruction or decision.