Shloka 2
Adhyāya 61: Saṃmohana-astra and the Kuru Withdrawal (संमोहनास्त्रं तथा कुरुनिवृत्तिः)
अत्र शान्तनवो भीष्मो रथेडस्माकं पितामह: । काड्क्षमाणो मया युद्ध तिष्ठत्यमरदर्शन:,“उस रथपर हम सबके पितामह शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मजी बैठे हैं। वे मेरे साथ युद्धकी इच्छा रखकर खड़े हैं। उनका दर्शन देवताओंके समान है”
atra śāntanavo bhīṣmo rathe ’smākaṃ pitāmahaḥ | kāṅkṣamāṇo mayā yuddhaṃ tiṣṭhaty amaradarśanaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Here is Bhīṣma, the son of Śāntanu—our grandsire—seated upon his chariot. Desiring to engage me in battle, he stands ready; his presence is awe-inspiring, like the very sight of the gods.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension of dharma in war: even when conflict is unavoidable, one must recognize and honor the stature of elders and exemplars like Bhīṣma. Martial readiness is shown alongside reverence, reminding the listener that duty (kṣatriya-dharma) operates within a moral universe shaped by respect, lineage, and awe for virtue and authority.
The narrator points out Bhīṣma—Śāntanu’s son and the Kurus’ grandsire—seated on his chariot and standing prepared for combat. Bhīṣma is portrayed as eager to fight and as possessing a godlike, formidable presence, underscoring the gravity of facing such a revered warrior.