Shloka 14
Kṛṣṇa’s Dhyāna and the Prompt to Question Bhīṣma (कृष्णध्यानं भीष्मप्रश्नप्रेरणा च)
त्रयोविंशतिरात्रं यो योधयामास भार्गवम् | न च रामेण निस्तीर्णस्तमस्मि मनसा गत:
trayoviṁśatirātraṁ yo yodhayāmāsa bhārgavam | na ca rāmeṇa nistīrṇas tam asmi manasā gataḥ ||
Vāsudeva said: “He who fought with Bhārgava Paraśurāma for twenty-three nights—yet was not overcome by Rāma—unto that very Bhīṣma I went in my mind.”
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores reverence for steadfast dharma: Bhīṣma’s unwavering commitment and strength—so great that even Paraśurāma could not subdue him—makes him worthy of deep respect. Vāsudeva’s ‘going by mind’ signals inner homage and recognition of moral authority, not merely physical power.
Vāsudeva recalls Bhīṣma’s famed combat with Paraśurāma that lasted twenty-three nights. He states that he mentally approached Bhīṣma—indicating esteem and inward acknowledgment of Bhīṣma’s exceptional stature as a warrior and upholder of duty.