Shloka 19
भीष्म–रामयुद्धवर्णनम्
Bhīṣma’s Account of the Strategic Engagement with Rāma Jāmadagnya
“राजन्! परशुरामकी कभी मृत्यु नहीं हो सकती; अतः इस प्राप्त हुए प्रस्वाप नामक अस्त्रका प्रयोग करो” ।।
rājan! paraśurāmasya kadācid api mṛtyur na bhavitum arhati; ataḥ prāptasya prasvāpa-nāmna astrasya prayogaṃ kuru. ity uktvāntarhitā rājan sarva eva dvijottamāḥ | aṣṭau sadṛśa-rūpās te sarve bhāsura-mūrtayaḥ ||
Bhīṣma dijo: «¡Oh rey, Paraśurāma no puede encontrar la muerte jamás; por ello, emplea el arma que ha llegado a ti, llamada Prasvāpa (el ‘misil del Sueño’)». Dicho esto, oh rey, todos aquellos Brahmanes eminentes—manifestados como los Vasus—desaparecieron de la vista. Eran ocho, de forma semejante, y cada uno parecía radiante, como si su cuerpo fuese de energía en llamas.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage teaches that ethical strategy in conflict may require choosing a means that neutralizes without killing. Since Paraśurāma is described as not subject to death, Bhīṣma recommends the Prasvāpa (‘Sleep’) astra—implying restraint and appropriateness of means (upāya) when ordinary violence is futile or unrighteous.
Bhīṣma reports counsel: Paraśurāma cannot be slain, so the king should use the Prasvāpa astra. After delivering this message, the eminent Brahmins—identified with the eight Vasus—vanish, all appearing identical and radiant, marking a supernatural intervention and withdrawal.