Shloka 15
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
ततो युधिष्छिरो वश्यान् राज्ञस्तानू समचोदयत् । भीष्मं शान्तनवं सर्वे निहतेति सुहृदूगणान्,तदनन्तर युधिष्ठटिरने अपने वशवर्ती नरेशों तथा सुहृद्गणोंको यह आदेश दिया कि सब लोग मिलकर शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मको मार डालो
tato yudhiṣṭhiro vaśyān rājñas tān samacodayat | bhīṣmaṃ śāntanavaṃ sarve nihateti suhṛd-gaṇān ||
Then Yudhishthira urged the kings under his command and instructed his well-wishers: “All of you together—strike down Bhishma, the son of Shantanu.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even righteous leaders may be forced into painful commands in a dharmic crisis: the verse highlights the moral weight of directing violence against a venerable elder when the larger aim is to end adharma and protect the polity.
Sañjaya reports that Yudhiṣṭhira, addressing subordinate kings and trusted allies, urges coordinated action to bring down Bhīṣma—indicating a strategic and collective effort against the Kaurava commander.