Shloka 24
भीष्मधृतराष्ट्रसंवादः — पाण्डवबलप्रशंसा
Bhishma–Dhritarashtra Dialogue: Appraisal of Pandava Strength
जलसंधो महातेजा राजन् रथवरस्तव । त्यक्ष्यते समरे प्राणान् माधव: परवीरहा
Jalasaṃdho mahātejā rājan rathavaras tava | tyakṣyate samare prāṇān Mādhavaḥ paravīrahā ||
Bhīṣma said: “O King, Jalasaṃdha, a man of great splendor, is your foremost chariot-warrior. This Mādhava, a slayer of enemy heroes, will in battle lay down even his life for your sake.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of kṣatriya loyalty and martial duty: a king’s strength rests on devoted warriors who are prepared to sacrifice their lives, and wise counsel recognizes and honors such commitment.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparations, Bhīṣma is describing and praising key fighters to the Kaurava king, identifying Jalasaṃdha as a foremost chariot-warrior and emphasizing his readiness to die in battle for his side.