Shloka 22
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
स उत्पन् वै रथोपस्थे दर्शयन् पाणिलाघवम् | अलातचक्रवद् राजंस्तत्र तत्र सम दृश्यते
sa utpannaiva rathopasthe darśayan pāṇilāghavam | alātacakravad rājan tatra tatra sama dṛśyate ||
Sañjaya dit : «Ô roi ! En cet instant, Bhīṣma se dressa sur le siège du char et montra la vive dextérité de ses mains. Tel un brandon enflammé qui, tournoyant, dessine une roue de feu, il semblait apparaître partout—ici et là—par la seule vitesse et la maîtrise du combat.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined mastery and focused skill can create an overwhelming battlefield presence. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya ideal of excellence in one’s duty (svadharma) while reminding the listener that perception in war is shaped by speed, technique, and psychological impact.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma, standing and moving upon the chariot-seat, is fighting with such rapid hand-work that he seems to be everywhere at once—likened to the circular blaze seen when a firebrand is whirled.