Shloka 22
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
भीष्मेण तु रणे पार्था: पालिता बाहुशालिना
bhīṣmeṇa tu raṇe pārthāḥ pālitā bāhuśālinā
Sañjaya dit : Au plus fort de la bataille, les fils de Pṛthā furent protégés par Bhīṣma, le guerrier aux bras puissants. Le vers souligne combien le cours de la guerre peut tenir à la sauvegarde d’un seul combattant éminent, faisant naître une tension éthique entre la loyauté envers son camp et le devoir de contenir la destruction.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid violent conflict, the presence of a powerful protector can limit harm and shape outcomes; the verse highlights the dharmic tension between martial loyalty and the responsibility to safeguard life where possible.
Sañjaya reports that during the fighting, Bhīṣma—renowned for strength and battlefield mastery—served as a protective force for the Pāṇḍavas, implying that his conduct and positioning in the battle affected their safety.