Adhyāya 107 — बहुयुद्धप्रकरणम्
Multiple Defensive Engagements to Protect Bhīṣma
स विद्ध्वा भारतं षष्ट्य निशितैलोंमवाहिभि: । नृत्यन्निव रथोपस्थे विधुन्वानो महद् धनु:,उन्होंने अपने विशाल धनुषकी टंकार फैलाते तथा रथकी बैठकमें नृत्य करते हुए-से पंखयुक्त साठ तीखे बाणोंद्वारा भरतवंशी पितामह भीष्मको घायल कर दिया
sa viddhvā bhārataṁ ṣaṣṭyā niśitair lomavāhibhiḥ | nṛtyann iva rathopasthe vidhunvāno mahad dhanuḥ ||
Dijo Sañjaya: Tras herir a Bhīṣma, el anciano de los Bhāratas, con sesenta flechas agudas y emplumadas, parecía danzar sobre el asiento del carro, blandiendo su gran arco y haciendo resonar su vibrante tañido.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical strain of righteous warfare: even a revered elder like Bhīṣma may be attacked when duty (kṣatriya-dharma) demands it, yet the triumphant display also invites reflection on restraint, humility, and the moral weight of violence.
In Sañjaya’s report from the battlefield, a warrior strikes Bhīṣma with sixty sharp, feathered arrows and, exulting in momentum, appears to ‘dance’ on the chariot-seat while brandishing a great bow whose twang resounds.