Shloka 296
अम्बोपाख्याने तापसानां विचारः तथा होत्रवाहनस्य उपदेशः
Ambā among ascetics; Hotravāhana directs her to Paraśurāma
प्रवृत्ते दारुणे युद्धे शाल्वार्थ नापतं पुरा । “अथवा अपने मूढ़ पिताको दोष दूँ
pravṛtte dāruṇe yuddhe śālvārtha nāpataṃ purā |
पूर्वकाल में जब वह भयंकर युद्ध आरम्भ हो चुका था, तब मैं शाल्व के लिए भीष्म के रथ से कूदकर उतर न सकी—यही मेरा दोष है।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical accountability for one’s choices during moments of danger: failing to act when duty calls can become a lasting moral burden, especially when the stakes involve protection, loyalty, or rightful obligation.
Bhīṣma recalls an earlier episode in which a fierce battle was underway, and he admits that he did not jump down from his chariot for Śālva’s sake—presenting this as a significant lapse or missed decisive action.