Shloka 41
भीष्मकृतः पाण्डवपक्ष-महारथ-प्रशंसा
Bhishma’s appraisal of Pandava-aligned chariot-warriors
भूयश्व श्रोतुमिच्छामि परेषां रथसत्तमान् | ये चैवातिरथास्तत्र ये चैव रथयूथपा:,“अब मैं पुनः शत्रुपक्षके श्रेष्ठ रथियों, अतिरथियों तथा रथयूथपतियोंका परिचय सुनना चाहता हूँ
bhūyaś ca śrotum icchāmi pareṣāṁ rathasattamān | ye caivātirathās tatra ye caiva rathayūthapāḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “I wish to hear once again about the foremost chariot-warriors on the opposing side—who among them are the great champions (atirathas) and who are the leaders of chariot-squadrons.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent discernment as part of dharma in governance and warfare: a leader or adviser must accurately understand the opponent’s capabilities and command structure before acting.
Bhīṣma requests a renewed, detailed identification of the opposing side’s foremost chariot-warriors—specifically the top-tier champions (atirathas) and the commanders of chariot formations (rathayūthapas).