Shloka 28
Bhīṣma’s Dream-Counsel and the Prasvāpa Astra (भीष्मस्वप्नदर्शनम् / प्रस्वापास्त्रोपदेशः)
भागीरथी च मे माता रणमध्यं प्रपेदिरे तथैवात्तशरो धन्वी तथैव दृढनिश्चय: । स्थिरो5हमाहवे योद्धुं ततस्ते राममब्रुवन्
Bhāgīrathī ca me mātā raṇamadhyaṃ prapedire tathaivāttaśaro dhanvī tathaiva dṛḍhaniścayaḥ | sthiro 'ham āhave yoddhuṃ tatas te Rāmam abruvan |
Bhīṣma said: “Even Bhāgīrathī (Gaṅgā), my own mother, came into the midst of the battle. Likewise, with arrows already taken up and bow in hand, and with firm resolve, I stood steady, determined to fight in the fray. Then those warriors addressed Rāma.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in one’s chosen duty: even when personal ties (one’s own mother) appear in the conflict, a warrior committed to his vow and role remains firm. It frames the ethical tension between affection and obligation, emphasizing resolve and adherence to one’s dharma.
Bhīṣma recounts a battle scene in which Gaṅgā (Bhāgīrathī), his mother, comes into the battlefield. Bhīṣma stands ready with bow and arrows, determined to fight. After this moment, the assembled fighters address Rāma (Paraśurāma), indicating the unfolding confrontation and dialogue around that conflict.