Shloka 16
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
पाज्चाल्यं तु महाबाहो नाहं हन्यां शिखण्डिनम् । उद्यतेषुमथो दृष्टवा प्रतियुध्यन्तमाहवे,परंतु महाबाहो! पांचालराजकुमार शिखण्डीको धनुषपर बाण चढ़ाये युद्धमें अपना सामना करते देखकर भी मैं नहीं मारूँगा
Pāñcālyaṃ tu mahābāho nāhaṃ hanyāṃ Śikhaṇḍinam | udyateṣum atho dṛṣṭvā pratiyudhyantam āhave ||
Bhīṣma said: “O mighty-armed one, I will not strike down Śikhaṇḍin, the prince of the Pāñcālas. Even if I see him on the battlefield with arrows set upon his bow, standing forth to fight against me, I will not kill him.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, a warrior’s conduct is bounded by dharma and personal vows; Bhīṣma declares a principled refusal to kill Śikhaṇḍin, showing that ethical restraint can override tactical advantage.
Bhīṣma states that he will not slay Śikhaṇḍin of Pāñcāla, even if Śikhaṇḍin confronts him in open battle with weapons ready, indicating Bhīṣma’s predetermined limitation in the coming conflict.