Shloka 36
भीष्मकृतः पाण्डवपक्ष-महारथ-प्रशंसा
Bhishma’s appraisal of Pandava-aligned chariot-warriors
ईदृशानां सहस्राणि विशिष्टानामथो पुन: । मयैकेन निरस्तानि ससैन्यानि रणाजिरे,यहाँ जो लोग एकत्र हुए हैं, ऐसे तथा इनसे भी बढ़-चढ़कर पराक्रमी हजारों नरेश वहाँ एकत्र थे; परंतु मैंने समरांगणमें अकेले ही उन सबको सेनाओंसहित परास्त कर दिया था
īdṛśānāṁ sahasrāṇi viśiṣṭānām atho punaḥ | mayāikena nirastāni sasainyāni raṇājire ||
Bhishma said: “Thousands of kings—men of this very kind, and again others even more distinguished—had assembled there. Yet on the battlefield I, alone, repelled and defeated them together with their armies.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of kshatriya prowess and steadfastness: a warrior-leader is expected to stand firm even against overwhelming numbers, relying on discipline, resolve, and martial excellence—though such assertions also invite reflection on the ethical weight of pride and the costs of war.
Bhishma is speaking and recalling a past martial episode: many powerful kings had gathered, but he claims that he alone defeated and drove them back along with their forces, underscoring his reputation and authority in the unfolding conflict.