Shloka 15
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
लब्धलक्षतया कार्ष्णे: सर्वे भीष्ममुखा रथा: । सत्त्ववन्तममन्यन्त साक्षादिव धनंजयम्
labdhalakṣatayā kārṣṇeḥ sarve bhīṣmamukhā rathāḥ | sattvavantam amanyanta sākṣād iva dhanañjayam |
Sañjaya dit : Voyant la visée infaillible de Kārṣṇi (Abhimanyu), tous les guerriers de char menés par Bhīṣma le tinrent pour un homme d’une vaillance hors du commun—comme si Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) lui-même se tenait là. Toucher ainsi le but révélait une habileté disciplinée et du courage, et contraignait même les vétérans à reconnaître le mérite là où il se manifestait, malgré l’inimitié de la guerre.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid hostility, true excellence compels recognition. The verse highlights kṣatriya values—discipline, courage, and skill—and shows that merit (sattva) can be acknowledged by elders and opponents alike, reinforcing an ethic of honoring prowess and character.
Sañjaya reports that Abhimanyu’s successful target-striking and swift prowess impress the battlefield’s senior chariot-warriors. Bhīṣma and the others, seeing his capability, regard him as virtually equal to Arjuna himself.