Shloka 17
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
समक्ष पार्थिवेन्द्रस्य वाक्यं वाक्यविशारद: । इतना कहकर बोलनेमें कुशल भीष्मने राजाधिराज दुर्योधनके सामने ही राजा भगदत्तसे यह बात कही-- ।।
sañjaya uvāca | samakṣaṃ pārthivendrasya vākyaṃ vākyaviśāradaḥ | itthaṃ kathayitvā bhīṣmo rājādhirāja-duryodhanasya sammukhe rājñe bhagadattāya etad uvāca ||
Sañjaya said: In the very presence of the lord of kings, Duryodhana, the eloquent Bhīṣma—skilled in measured speech—having thus spoken, addressed King Bhagadatta before the emperor Duryodhana.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of counsel in a royal-war setting: a wise elder (Bhīṣma) speaks with deliberation and accountability, delivering advice openly before the sovereign, where words must serve both strategy and responsibility.
Sañjaya narrates that Bhīṣma, renowned for eloquent and judicious speech, addresses King Bhagadatta while Duryodhana is present—indicating a formal moment of instruction or direction within the Kaurava war council.