Shloka 3
अथ ते तमसा ग्रस्ता निहन्यन्ते सम दानवै: । देवा नृपतिशार्दूल सहैव बलिभिस्तदा,नृपश्रेष्ठ॒ फिर तो अन्धकारमें फँसे हुए देवतालोग कुछ सूझ न पड़नेके कारण एक साथ ही बलवान दानवोंके हाथसे मारे जाने लगे
atha te tamasā grastā nihanyante sama-dānavaiḥ | devā nṛpatiśārdūla sahaiva balibhis tadā ||
Entonces, atrapados por la oscuridad y sin ver con claridad, los dioses—oh tigre entre los reyes—fueron en aquel tiempo abatidos juntos por los poderosos dānavas.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that when beings are overcome by tamas—darkness, confusion, or ignorance—they lose discernment and become vulnerable; power and status do not protect one who cannot see rightly. Ethically, it implies the necessity of clarity, vigilance, and right understanding in the exercise of strength and in confronting adversity.
Bhīṣma describes a moment when the gods are engulfed in darkness and, unable to perceive properly, are collectively struck down by powerful Dānavas. He addresses the listener as 'tiger among kings,' framing the episode as an instructive example for royal conduct and moral reflection.