Shloka 12
Bhīṣma’s Recollection of the Duel: Charioteer’s Fall, Brahmin Protection, and Portents after Rāma’s Collapse
सम्प्राप्य तु पुन: संज्ञां जामदग्न्याय धीमते । प्राहिण्वं विमलां शक्ति ज्वलन्तीमशनीमिव,पुनः चेतमें आनेपर मैंने बुद्धिमान् परशुरामजीके ऊपर प्रज्वलित वज़्के समान एक उज्ज्वल शक्ति चलायी
samprāpya tu punaḥ saṁjñāṁ jāmadagnyāya dhīmate | prāhiṇvaṁ vimalāṁ śaktiṁ jvalantīm aśanīm iva ||
Regaining consciousness once more, I hurled a spotless, radiant spear-weapon at the wise Jāmadagnya (Paraśurāma), blazing like a thunderbolt. In the heat of this righteous yet terrible duel, the act shows how even a disciplined warrior, returning to awareness after being struck, resumes combat with unwavering resolve and measured intent rather than panic.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya steadiness: after recovering awareness, a warrior acts with resolve and discipline. Even in violent conflict, the emphasis is on controlled action aligned with one’s duty, not impulsive rage.
Bhīṣma says that after regaining consciousness, he launches a brilliant śakti-weapon at Paraśurāma (Jāmadagnya), describing it as blazing like a thunderbolt—an image underscoring the intensity of their duel.