Shloka 10
Bhīṣma-nipāta-saṃvāda — Sañjaya’s Report of Bhīṣma’s Fall (भीष्मनिपातसंवादः)
निकृन्तन्तमनीकानि शरदंष्टं मनस्विनम् । चापव्यात्ताननं घोरमसिजिह्ठलं दुरासदम्
nikṛntantam anīkāni śarad-aṃṣṭraṃ manasvinam | cāpa-vyāttānanaṃ ghoraṃ asi-jihvalaṃ durāsadam ||
धृतराष्ट्र बोले—मैंने उसे व्यूहों को काटते देखा—मानो शरद्-ऋतु के दंष्ट्राधारी कोई उग्र पशु। वह मनस्वी, दृढ़निश्चयी, भयानक था; धनुष ताने मुख फैलाए, और उसकी तलवार ज्वाला-जिह्वा-सी चमकती थी—उसके निकट पहुँचना अत्यन्त कठिन था।
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the double-edged nature of martial excellence: valor and steadfastness are admired within kṣatriya-dharma, yet the same power becomes terrifying when it destroys multitudes. It invites reflection on how dharma in war can coexist with the moral weight of violence.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra is hearing/recalling a vivid battlefield portrayal of a formidable warrior who is cutting through enemy formations. The imagery—autumn-fanged, gaping-mouthed with bow, sword flashing like a tongue—emphasizes unstoppable momentum and the fear he inspires.