Shloka 15
Bhīṣma–Jāmadagnya-saṃvādaḥ
Bhishma’s account of the encounter with Rāma Jāmadagnya
ततस्तस्मिन् बाणवर्षे व्यतीते शरीौघेण प्रत्यवर्ष गुरुं तम् । स विक्षतो मार्गणैर््रह्यराशि- देहादसक्तं मुमुचे भूरि रक्तम्
tatastasmīn bāṇavarṣe vyatīte śaraughena pratyavarṣa guruṃ tam | sa vikṣato mārgaṇair brahmarāśi-dehād asaktaṃ mumuce bhūri raktaṃ ||
Cuando cesó aquella lluvia de flechas, yo, a mi vez, descargué densas andanadas de saetas sobre aquel venerable preceptor. Herido y desgarrado por mis proyectiles, aquel gran asceta—cuyo cuerpo era tan sólo un receptáculo de poder espiritual—dejó brotar copiosos torrentes de sangre de su armazón lacerada.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid violent conflict, the verse contrasts bodily injury with inner detachment: the opponent is described as 'asakta'—unattached to the body—suggesting spiritual steadiness can coexist with worldly suffering, while the warrior still performs his kṣatriya duty.
After the opponent’s arrow-shower ends, Bhīṣma retaliates with a heavy barrage. The revered preceptor/ascetic figure is struck repeatedly and bleeds profusely, highlighting the intensity of the duel and the endurance of the wounded combatant.