Shloka 2
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
तस्मिंस्तथा वर्तमाने तुमुले संकुले भूशम् । भीष्म: शान्तनवस्तूर्ण युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्,जब इस प्रकार भयंकर और घमासान युद्ध होने लगा, उसी समय शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मने तुरंत ही राजा युधिष्ठिरपर धावा किया
tasmiṁs tathā vartamāne tumule saṅkule bhūśam | bhīṣmaḥ śāntanavas tūrṇaṁ yudhiṣṭhiram upādravat ||
Sanjaya said: As the battle raged—terrible, confused, and tumultuous—Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, swiftly charged straight at King Yudhishthira.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh realism of dharma in war: even revered elders like Bhīṣma, bound by kṣatriya-duty and allegiance, act decisively against the opposing king. It frames Yudhiṣṭhira’s ethical burden—upholding righteousness while facing direct, lethal challenge.
As the battle becomes intensely chaotic, Bhīṣma—identified by his lineage as Śāntanu’s son—swiftly charges toward King Yudhiṣṭhira, signaling a focused assault on the Pandava leader amid the general melee.