Shloka 10
स ज्वालै: पवनोदशभूतैर्विस्फुलिज्ज:ः समन््तत:
sa jvālaiḥ pavanodaśabhūtair visphulijjaḥ samantataḥ
Bhishma describes a blazing manifestation: it is surrounded on all sides by flames and by the tenfold forces of wind, scattering sparks everywhere—an image of overwhelming, all-pervading energy and of consequences that spread inescapably once great forces are unleashed.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses fire-and-wind imagery to highlight how concentrated power (tejas) becomes expansive and uncontrollable in its effects—ethically suggesting that intense forces, once set in motion, spread consequences in every direction and therefore must be governed by dharma and restraint.
Bhīṣma is describing a formidable, blazing phenomenon—encircled by flames and driven by tenfold winds—throwing sparks all around, as part of a larger Shānti Parva discourse that employs vivid natural imagery to explain moral and metaphysical points.