Shloka 24
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
भीष्म उवाच ततस्तृतीये दिवसे संदिदेश व्यवस्थित: । कुरु प्रियं स मे राजन् प्राप्तोडस्मीति महाव्रतः
bhīṣma uvāca tatastṛtīye divase saṃdideśa vyavasthitaḥ | kuru priyaṃ sa me rājan prāpto ’smi iti mahāvrataḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : « Puis, le troisième jour, s’étant arrêté en un lieu fixé, Paraśurāma, observateur de grands vœux, m’envoya un message : “Ô roi ! Je suis arrivé ici. Fais ce qui m’est cher : accorde ma demande.” » L’instant fait naître une tension dharmique : une autorité ascétique, vénérable entre toutes, somme Bhīṣma et le pousse vers un acte qui éprouve le devoir, l’obéissance et l’éthique de répondre à l’exigence d’un maître redoutable.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahabharata ethical pressure-point: when a powerful, revered figure issues a demand, one must still weigh the request against dharma and one’s own vowed obligations. Respect for authority is important, but it can become a test of integrity when it conflicts with duty.
On the third day, Parashurama—described as a great vow-keeper—halts at a place and sends Bhishma a message announcing his arrival and asking Bhishma to do what pleases him, setting the stage for a consequential confrontation or negotiation.