Shloka 32
Adhyāya 111 (Book 6): Daśama-dina-saṃgrāma—Bhīṣma’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira and the Śikhaṇḍin-Led Advance
रथिनो5पातयद् राजन् रथेभ्य: पुरुषर्षभ:,राजन! पुरुषश्रेष्ठ भीष्मने कितने ही रथियोंको रथोंसे, घुड़सवारोंको घोड़ोंकी पीठोंसे, शत्रुओंपर विजय पानेवाले हाथीसवारोंको हाथियोंसे तथा सामने आये हुए पैदल सिपाहियोंको भी मार गिराया
sañjaya uvāca | rathino ’pātayad rājan rathebhyaḥ puruṣarṣabhaḥ |
Sañjaya dijo: Oh Rey, Bhīṣma, toro entre los hombres, derribó a muchos guerreros de carro desde sus carros. En el mismo ímpetu de la batalla, desensilló a jinetes de sus monturas, abatió a los conductores de elefantes —célebres por vencer al enemigo— desde sus elefantes, y segó incluso a los infantes que se le presentaron de frente.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the paradox of righteous warfare: a kṣatriya’s valor and duty can be displayed through decisive action, yet that same excellence produces immense suffering. It invites reflection on dharma in war—how duty, skill, and the moral weight of violence coexist.
Sañjaya reports to the king that a foremost warrior is overpowering the enemy: knocking chariot-fighters off their chariots, unseating cavalry, bringing down elephant-riders, and cutting down advancing infantry—depicting a sweeping, one-sided moment on the battlefield.