Shloka 4
भीष्म–रामजामदग्न्ययुद्धप्रस्थानवर्णनम्
Bhishma’s Account of Parashurama’s Challenge and the March to Kurukshetra
ततो<हं राममायान्तं दृष्टवा समरकाड्क्षिणम् । धनु: श्रेष्ठ समुत्सूज्य सहसावतरं रथात्,तदनन्तर युद्धकी इच्छावाले परशुरामजीको आते देख मैं अपना श्रेष्ठ धनुष छोड़कर सहसा रथसे उतर पड़ा
tato 'haṃ rāmam āyāntaṃ dṛṣṭvā samara-kāṅkṣiṇam | dhanuḥ-śreṣṭhaṃ samutsṛjya sahasā 'vataraṃ rathāt ||
Alors, voyant Rāma (Paraśurāma) s’avancer, avide de bataille, je jetai aussitôt mon meilleur arc et descendis vivement de mon char.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights warrior-ethics: when a righteous challenge arrives from a powerful opponent—especially an elder or revered figure—one responds with readiness and respect, setting aside pride in weapons or advantage and meeting the situation directly.
Bhīṣma sees Paraśurāma approaching with the intent to fight. In immediate response, Bhīṣma throws aside his excellent bow and quickly gets down from his chariot, signaling prompt acceptance of the impending duel and a deliberate, respectful engagement.