Shloka 13
अम्बाया रामजामदग्न्यशरणगमनम्
Ambā Seeks Refuge with Rāma Jāmadagnya
अम्बोवाच ममाप्येष सदा ब्रह्मन् हदि कामो$भिवर्तते । घातयेयं यदि रणे भीष्ममित्येव नित्यदा,अम्बा बोली--ब्रह्मन! मेरे मनमें भी सदा यह इच्छा बनी रहती है कि मैं युद्धमें भीष्मका वध करा दूँ। महाबाहो! आप भीष्मको या शाल्वराजको जिसे भी दोषी समझते हों, उसीको दण्ड दीजिये, जिसके कारण मैं अत्यन्त दुःखमें पड़ गयी हूँ
ambovāca mamāpy eṣa sadā brahman hṛdi kāmo 'bhivartate | ghātayeyam yadi raṇe bhīṣmam ity eva nityadā ||
Ambā said: “O Brahmin, this desire continually rises within my heart as well—that in battle I should bring about Bhīṣma’s death. I remain fixed on this resolve at all times.”
अकृतव्रण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a single unresolved wrong can harden into a lifelong saṅkalpa (fixed resolve). Ethically, it frames the tension between personal vengeance and the broader demands of dharma: the heart’s persistent desire for retribution can become a driving force that shapes destiny and conflict.
Ambā declares to a Brahmin/ascetic that an unceasing desire has taken root in her heart: she wants Bhīṣma to be slain in battle, and she remains continually fixed on that aim. This statement marks her unwavering commitment to pursue Bhīṣma’s death as the resolution of her suffering.