Shloka 13
अत्रिणा त्वथ सामर्थ्य कृतमुत्तमतेजसा । द्विजेनाग्निद्धितीयेन जपता चर्मवाससा
atriṇā tv atha sāmarthyaṁ kṛtam uttama-tejasā | dvijena agni-dvitīyena japatā carma-vāsasā ||
Bhīṣma dijo: «Considera el poder extraordinario mostrado aquí por el sabio Atri, radiante de suprema brillantez espiritual: ese “dos veces nacido” que mantenía el fuego sagrado como compañero constante, vivía en austera disciplina y recitaba sus mantras vestido con piel de ciervo. Contempla la grandeza de su hazaña. Ya he descrito con amplitud las obras de ese eminente Atri. Por eso afirmo: el brāhmaṇa es el primero; dime, ¿qué kṣatriya es superior a Atri?»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma highlights that true superiority is grounded in tapas, ritual steadiness, and spiritual radiance (tejas). By pointing to Atri’s disciplined life—Agnihotra, japa, and ascetic simplicity—he argues that brahminical excellence is measured by inner power and dharmic practice rather than worldly force.
Bhīṣma is citing the example of the sage Atri’s remarkable accomplishment and asking his listener to recognize Atri’s greatness. He uses this as a rhetorical challenge: if one seeks a kṣatriya greater than Atri, who would it be—implying that Atri’s spiritual achievements surpass typical martial standards of greatness.