Shloka 21
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
शरैरेकायनीकुर्वन् दिश: सर्वा यतव्रतः । जघान पाण्डवरथानादिश्य भरतर्षभ
śarair ekāyanīkurvan diśaḥ sarvā yatavrataḥ | jaghāna pāṇḍava-rathān ādiśya bharatarṣabha ||
Sañjaya dit : Ô taureau parmi les Bhārata ! Bhīṣma, inébranlable dans la discipline de son vœu, emplit toutes les directions de ses flèches et—clamant son propre nom en défi et en proclamation—se mit à frapper les guerriers de char du camp des Pāṇḍava.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension of dharma in war: a revered elder, defined by self-restraint and vows, can still become an instrument of destruction when bound to his role and allegiance. Personal virtue (vrata, discipline) does not automatically prevent participation in violence when one’s perceived duty and loyalties compel action.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma on the battlefield unleashing a dense, all-encompassing shower of arrows, dominating the field in every direction. He attacks the Pāṇḍava-side chariot fighters while proclaiming himself—an act that functions as both challenge and intimidation, marking his presence and prowess.