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
संजय बोले—रण में बाहुशाली भीष्म द्वारा पृथापुत्रों की रक्षा होती थी; एक महावीर की छत्रछाया से ही युद्ध की गति मानो नियति-सी निर्धारित हो जाती है।
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.