Shloka 20
भीष्मधृतराष्ट्रसंवादः — पाण्डवबलप्रशंसा
Bhishma–Dhritarashtra Dialogue: Appraisal of Pandava Strength
स्वेन सैन्येन महता प्रतपन् शत्रुवाहिनीम् । प्रधक्ष्यति स पञज्चालान् कक्षमग्निगतिर्यथा
svena sainyena mahatā pratapan śatruvāhinīm | pradhakṣyati sa pañcālān kakṣam agnigatir yathā ||
Bhīṣma said: “With his vast army, scorching the enemy host, that king of the Pauravas will burn the Pañcālas to ashes—just as fire consumes dry brushwood.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a fire-simile to convey how unchecked martial power can spread and consume indiscriminately. It highlights the destructive momentum of war and the ethical gravity of decisions that unleash such force.
Bhīṣma predicts that the Paurava (Kuru) king, supported by a massive army, will overwhelm the opposing forces and devastate the Pañcālas, likening the onslaught to fire racing through dry brush.