Shloka 32
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
द्वैरथे समरे नान्यो भीष्म॑ हन्यान्महाव्रतम् । शिखण्डिनमृते वीर॑ स मे सेनापतिर्मत:
dvairathe samare nānyo bhīṣmaṁ hanyān mahāvratam | śikhaṇḍinam ṛte vīra sa me senāpatir mataḥ ||
Bhīmasena said: “In a chariot-duel amid battle, no one else could slay Bhīṣma, that great man of solemn vows—except Śikhaṇḍin. Therefore, O hero, he is regarded by me as the commander of our army.”
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the mightiest warrior is constrained by vows, ethical limits, and specific conditions; effective leadership recognizes such constraints and aligns strategy with dharma and practical reality rather than mere strength.
Bhīma argues that Bhīṣma cannot be brought down in direct chariot combat by anyone except Śikhaṇḍin, and on that basis he supports appointing Śikhaṇḍin as the army’s commander to enable Bhīṣma’s eventual defeat.