Shloka 56
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava-Alliance Warriors (Śikhaṇḍin, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and Allied Kings)
अश्विनाविव रूपेण तेजसा च समन्वितौ । माद्रीके दोनों पुत्र अश्विनीकुमारोंक समान रूपवान् और तेजस्वी हैं। वे दोनों ही पुरुषरत्न रथी हैं
aśvināv iva rūpeṇa tejasā ca samanvitau | mādrīke dvau putrau aśvinīkumārayoḥ samānarūpavantau ca tejasvinau | ubhau eva puruṣaratnau rathinau |
Bhishma said: “Madri’s two sons are like the Aśvin twins in both beauty and splendor. Endowed with radiant prowess, they are each foremost among men and accomplished chariot-warriors.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Excellence in a warrior is measured not only by birth or appearance but by embodied qualities—tejas (radiant vigor/valor) and rathitva (trained martial competence). Bhishma’s praise frames Nakula and Sahadeva as exemplary Kshatriyas whose virtues make them ‘gems among men.’
In the Udyoga Parva’s preparations and assessments before the great war, Bhishma describes the Pandavas’ strengths. Here he highlights Madri’s twin sons, Nakula and Sahadeva, likening them to the divine Ashvins in beauty and brilliance and affirming them as capable chariot-warriors.