Shloka 24
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
ततो ध्वजममोधेषुर्भीष्मस्य नवभि: शरै: | चिच्छेद समरे वीरस्तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जना:
tato dhvajam amogheṣur bhīṣmasya navabhiḥ śaraiḥ | ciccheda samare vīras tata uccukruśur janāḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Alors ce héros, dont les flèches ne frappaient jamais en vain, abattit au milieu du combat l’étendard de Bhīṣma de neuf traits. À cette vue, les guerriers poussèrent un grand cri. Dans la trame éthique de l’épopée, faire tomber un étendard n’est pas seulement une prouesse tactique : c’est un défi public à l’honneur du chef, qui accroît la pression morale et psychologique de la guerre.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, symbolic acts—like cutting a commander’s banner—carry ethical and psychological weight. Valor is measured not only by killing but also by challenging an opponent’s honor and resolve, reminding readers that warfare escalates through public displays that affect morale and reputation.
During the battle, a heroic warrior described as an unerring archer severs Bhishma’s banner with nine arrows. The assembled fighters react with a loud uproar, marking the deed as a notable feat and a direct affront to Bhishma’s battlefield eminence.