Shloka 26
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Kaurava Champions (भीष्मकृतः रथिनां गुणनिरूपणम्)
मद्रराजो हेष्वास: शल्यो मेडतिरथो मतः,स्पर्थते वासुदेवेन नित्यं यो वै रणे रणे । महाधनुर्धर मद्रराज शल्यको भी मैं अतिरथी मानता हूँ, जो प्रत्येक युद्धमें सदा भगवान् श्रीकृष्णके साथ स्पर्धा रखते हैं
madrarājo heṣvāsāḥ śalyo medatiratho mataḥ | spardhate vāsudevena nityaṃ yo vai raṇe raṇe ||
Bhīṣma said: “Śalya, the king of Madra, is regarded as a foremost chariot-warrior and a master of archery. In every battle he continually measures himself against Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa), seeking to match his prowess.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Kṣatriya ideal of striving for excellence and honor in warfare: a renowned warrior is characterized not only by skill (heṣvāsāḥ) but by the continual drive to test himself against the greatest standard—here, Vāsudeva—showing ambition, confidence, and the pursuit of martial distinction.
Bhīṣma is describing and evaluating notable warriors. In this line he singles out Śalya, king of Madra, calling him a top-tier chariot-warrior and archer, and notes that Śalya repeatedly seeks rivalry with Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa) in battle.