Shloka 3
विशीर्णकवचं चैव तवास्मीति च वादिनम् | कृताञ्जलिं न्यस्तशस्त्रं गृहीत्वा न हि हिंसयेत्,जिसका कवच छिजत्न-भिन्न हो गया हो, जो “मैं आपका ही हूँ ऐसा कह रहा हो और हाथ जोड़े खड़ा हो अथवा जिसने हथियार रख दिये हों, ऐसे विपक्षी योद्धाको कैद करके मारे नहीं
viśīrṇakavacaṃ caiva tavāsmīti ca vādinaṃ | kṛtāñjaliṃ nyastaśastraṃ gṛhītvā na hi hiṃsayet |
Bhishma said: “One should not strike down an opposing warrior after taking him captive—if his armor has been shattered, if he is declaring ‘I am yours,’ if he stands with joined palms in surrender, or if he has laid down his weapons. Warfare must remain governed by dharma: once an enemy is disarmed or has sought protection, violence against him becomes unlawful.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, dharma restrains violence: a disarmed, armor-broken, supplicating, or surrendering opponent—especially one seeking protection (“I am yours”)—must not be killed, even if captured.
Bhishma is instructing on righteous conduct (dharma) in battle, specifying conditions under which an enemy combatant is no longer a legitimate target: when he is helpless, has surrendered, or has laid down arms.