Shloka 3
भीष्मधृतराष्ट्रसंवादः — पाण्डवबलप्रशंसा
Bhishma–Dhritarashtra Dialogue: Appraisal of Pandava Strength
द्रोणपुत्रो महेष्वास: सवनिवाति धन्विनः । समरे चित्रयोधी च दृढास्त्रश्न महारथ:
droṇaputro maheṣvāsaḥ savanivāti dhanvinaḥ | samare citrayodhī ca dṛḍhāstraś ca mahārathaḥ ||
Putra Droṇa, Aśvatthāmā, adalah pemanah agung, melampaui para pemegang busur lainnya. Di medan perang ia bertempur dengan siasat yang beragam dan menggetarkan; teguh dengan senjata-senjata ampuh, ia seorang mahārathī sejati.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and practical necessity, in a dharma-driven conflict, of accurately recognizing a warrior’s capability. Bhīṣma’s appraisal models responsible counsel: decisions in war should be informed by clear-eyed assessment rather than pride or negligence.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparation context, Bhīṣma is describing key fighters. Here he praises Droṇa’s son Aśvatthāmā as superior among archers, formidable in combat, and a mahāratha—underscoring his importance to the coming battle.