Shloka 34
ब्राह्मणपूजा-राजधर्मः | Royal Duty of Honoring Learned Brahmins
स रथी बद्धनिस्त्रिंशो बभौ दीप्त इवानल: । प्रययौ स धनुर्धुन्चन् खड्गी चर्मी शरासनी
sa rathī baddha-nistriṁśo babhau dīpta ivānalaḥ | prayayau sa dhanur-dhuñcan khaḍgī carmī śarāsanī ||
Bhishma dit : Monté sur son char, l’épée attachée à la ceinture, il brillait comme un feu flamboyant. Pourvu d’épée et de bouclier, portant son arc, il s’avança en faisant retentir l’arc—avec la farouche résolution d’un guerrier prêt à agir selon le devoir qu’il s’était choisi.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of resolute preparedness: a warrior, properly armed and composed, advances to perform his chosen duty. The ethical undertone is steadiness in one’s role (svadharma) and disciplined readiness rather than impulsive violence.
A chariot-warrior mounts his chariot, fastens his sword, and advances fully armed—sword, shield, and bow—his presence compared to blazing fire, while the bow is made to resound as he moves forward.