Shloka 2
भीष्मरथाभिमुख्यं — Arjuna’s advance with Śikhaṇḍin; Duḥśāsana’s interception
गाड़ेयो रथिनां श्रेष्ठ; पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम् । व्यधमन्निशितैर्बाणै: शतशो5थ सहस्रश:
gāṅgeyo rathināṁ śreṣṭhaḥ pāṇḍavānām anīkinīm | vyadhamann iśitaiḥ bāṇaiḥ śataśo ’tha sahasraśaḥ ||
Sanjaya dit : Bhishma, fils du Gange et le premier des guerriers de char, se mit à briser la grande armée des Pândava, la criblant de flèches acérées par centaines et par milliers.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary skill and revered status do not exempt one from the harsh demands of pledged duty in war. It invites reflection on dharma in conflict: personal virtue and martial excellence can still serve destructive ends when bound by vows, allegiance, and the momentum of a righteous-yet-tragic war.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma, leading the Kaurava side, begins a fierce assault on the Pāṇḍava forces, raining sharp arrows in massive volleys and breaking their formations.