Shloka 3
भीष्मस्य सेनापत्यप्रतिज्ञा तथा रथसंख्यावर्णनम् | Bhishma Accepts Command and Enumerates Kaurava Strength
स्ववीर्य य: समाश्रित्य समाह्दयति वै परान् | अभीतो युध्यते शत्रून् स वै पुरुष उच्यते
svavīryaṁ yaḥ samāśritya samāhvayati vai parān | abhīto yudhyate śatrūn sa vai puruṣa ucyate ||
Sañjaya said: He who, relying on his own strength and valor, challenges the opposing side and fights the enemies without fear—he alone is truly called a man.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
True ‘puruṣa’ (manly worth) is defined by fearless courage grounded in one’s own strength and resolve—openly challenging opposition and standing firm in battle, rather than depending on external supports or mere reputation.
Sañjaya articulates a standard of warrior conduct and character during the tense pre-war context of the Udyoga Parva, describing the kind of fearless challenger who embodies the ideal of valor in impending conflict.