Shloka 45
Adhyāya 111 (Book 6): Daśama-dina-saṃgrāma—Bhīṣma’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira and the Śikhaṇḍin-Led Advance
जानामि त्वां महाबाहो क्षत्रियाणां क्षयंकर । मया श्रुतं च ते युद्धं जामदग्न्येन वै सह
jānāmi tvāṃ mahābāho kṣatriyāṇāṃ kṣayaṃkara | mayā śrutaṃ ca te yuddhaṃ jāmadagnyena vai saha ||
संजय बोले— हे महाबाहु, क्षत्रियों के संहारक भीष्म! मैं तुम्हें जानता हूँ। मैंने यह भी सुना है कि तुमने जमदग्निनन्दन परशुराम के साथ युद्ध किया था।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how a warrior’s ethical standing in epic culture is closely tied to reputation, lineage, and proven prowess: Bhishma’s identity is affirmed through his famed confrontation with Parashurama, highlighting the weight of martial duty (kshatriya-dharma) and the moral seriousness of war.
Sanjaya addresses Bhishma directly, declaring that he recognizes him as a formidable destroyer among Kshatriyas and recalling—by report—Bhishma’s celebrated battle with Parashurama (Jamadagni’s son), thereby emphasizing Bhishma’s established might and legendary status.