Shloka 76
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava-Alliance Warriors (Śikhaṇḍin, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and Allied Kings)
प्रादेशेनाधिका: पुम्भिरन्यैस्ते च प्रमाणत: । ये सभी महामना पाण्डव शालवृक्षके स्तम्भोंके समान ऊँचे हैं। उनकी ऊँचाईका मान अन्य पुरुषोंसे एक बित्ता अधिक है
prādeśenādhikāḥ pumbhir anyais te ca pramāṇataḥ |
Bhīṣma said: “In measured stature, those men are taller than other men by a prādeśa (a handspan).” In context, Bhīṣma is describing the extraordinary physical presence of the Pāṇḍavas—an outward sign of their heroic capacity and the formidable challenge they pose in the coming conflict.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that true power in the epic is not merely claimed but can be recognized through clear signs—here, extraordinary stature—supporting prudent judgment about allies and adversaries before war.
Bhīṣma is giving a descriptive appraisal of the Pāṇḍavas, emphasizing their exceptional build and presence as part of evaluating their strength and the seriousness of confronting them.