Shloka 756
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
यत्तुं सूतेन शिष्टेन बहुशो दृष्टकर्मणा । महातेजस्वी नरेश! उस समय स्वस्तिवाचन कराकर माता सत्यवतीने मेरा अभिनन्दन किया और मैं ब्राह्मणोंसे पुण्याहवाचन करा उनसे कल्याणकारी आशीर्वाद ले सुन्दर रजतमय रथपर आरूढ़ हुआ। उस रथमें श्वेत रंगके घोड़े जुते हुए थे। उसमें सब प्रकारकी आवश्यक सामग्री सुन्दर ढंगसे रखी गयी थी। उसकी बैठक बहुत सुन्दर थी। रथके ऊपर व्याप्रचर्मका आवरण लगाया गया था। वह रथ बड़े-बड़े शस्त्रों तथा समस्त उपकरणोंसे सम्पन्न था। युद्धमें जिसका कार्य अनेक बार देख लिया गया था, ऐसे सुशिक्षित, कुलीन, वीर तथा अभश्वशास्त्रके पण्डित सारथिद्वारा उस रथका संचालन और नियन्त्रण होता था
yattuṁ sūtena śiṣṭena bahuśo dṛṣṭakarmaṇā | mahātejasvī nareśa |
Bhīṣma said: “O mighty king, I then set out in a splendid silver chariot. After auspicious benedictions were pronounced and blessings received from the brāhmaṇas, my mother Satyavatī greeted and honored me. The chariot was yoked with white horses and was carefully furnished with every necessary provision; its seat was beautifully made, and a tiger-skin covering was spread above. It was fully equipped with great weapons and all implements. It was driven and expertly controlled by a well-trained, noble, valiant charioteer—learned in the science of horses—whose conduct was disciplined and whose skill in battle had been proven many times.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights dharmic readiness: before undertaking a grave public duty (especially one tied to conflict), one seeks auspicious blessings, ensures proper equipment, and relies on proven, disciplined expertise. Ethical action is shown as a blend of ritual propriety, personal restraint, and competent support.
Bhīṣma narrates his departure in a richly appointed chariot. Satyavatī honors him, brāhmaṇas pronounce auspicious benedictions, and he mounts a silver chariot yoked with white horses, fully equipped for action and driven by a skilled, battle-tested charioteer.