Shloka 19
भीष्म–रामयुद्धवर्णनम्
Bhīṣma’s Account of the Strategic Engagement with Rāma Jāmadagnya
“राजन्! परशुरामकी कभी मृत्यु नहीं हो सकती; अतः इस प्राप्त हुए प्रस्वाप नामक अस्त्रका प्रयोग करो” ।।
rājan! paraśurāmasya kadācid api mṛtyur na bhavitum arhati; ataḥ prāptasya prasvāpa-nāmna astrasya prayogaṃ kuru. ity uktvāntarhitā rājan sarva eva dvijottamāḥ | aṣṭau sadṛśa-rūpās te sarve bhāsura-mūrtayaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “O King, Paraśurāma cannot meet death at any time; therefore, employ the weapon that has come to you, called Prasvāpa (the ‘Sleep’ missile).” Having spoken thus, O King, all those foremost Brahmins—manifesting as the Vasus—vanished from sight. There were eight of them, alike in form, and each appeared radiant, as if made of blazing energy.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage teaches that ethical strategy in conflict may require choosing a means that neutralizes without killing. Since Paraśurāma is described as not subject to death, Bhīṣma recommends the Prasvāpa (‘Sleep’) astra—implying restraint and appropriateness of means (upāya) when ordinary violence is futile or unrighteous.
Bhīṣma reports counsel: Paraśurāma cannot be slain, so the king should use the Prasvāpa astra. After delivering this message, the eminent Brahmins—identified with the eight Vasus—vanish, all appearing identical and radiant, marking a supernatural intervention and withdrawal.