Shloka 14
Kṛṣṇa’s Dhyāna and the Prompt to Question Bhīṣma (कृष्णध्यानं भीष्मप्रश्नप्रेरणा च)
त्रयोविंशतिरात्रं यो योधयामास भार्गवम् | न च रामेण निस्तीर्णस्तमस्मि मनसा गत:
trayoviṁśatirātraṁ yo yodhayāmāsa bhārgavam | na ca rāmeṇa nistīrṇas tam asmi manasā gataḥ ||
Vāsudeva dijo: «Aquel que combatió con Bhārgava Paraśurāma durante veintitrés noches—y aun así no fue vencido por Rāma—hacia ese mismo Bhīṣma fui yo en mi mente.»
वासुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores reverence for steadfast dharma: Bhīṣma’s unwavering commitment and strength—so great that even Paraśurāma could not subdue him—makes him worthy of deep respect. Vāsudeva’s ‘going by mind’ signals inner homage and recognition of moral authority, not merely physical power.
Vāsudeva recalls Bhīṣma’s famed combat with Paraśurāma that lasted twenty-three nights. He states that he mentally approached Bhīṣma—indicating esteem and inward acknowledgment of Bhīṣma’s exceptional stature as a warrior and upholder of duty.