Shloka 66
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
व्रतमेतन््मम सदा पृथिव्यामपि विश्रुतम् । स्त्रियां स्त्रीपूर्वके चैव स्त्रीनाम्नि स्त्रीसरूपिणि
vratam etan mama sadā pṛthivyām api viśrutam | striyāṃ strīpūrvake caiva strīnāmni strīsarūpiṇi na muñceyam ahaṃ bāṇam iti kauravanandana |
Wahai kebanggaan kaum Kuru! Ikrar ini milikku termasyhur di seluruh bumi: terhadap seorang perempuan, atau seseorang yang dahulu perempuan lalu menjadi laki-laki, atau yang bernama bernuansa perempuan, atau yang rupa dan busananya menyerupai perempuan—aku tidak akan melepaskan anak panah.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma articulates a self-binding ethical limit in warfare: even in battle he will not attack those he classifies as ‘woman’ or woman-associated (by prior gender, name, or appearance). The verse highlights how personal vows and dharma-based restraints can override tactical advantage.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparation context, Bhīṣma explains to a Kuru prince that his famous vow prevents him from shooting certain opponents—especially those connected with womanhood—foreshadowing how such a rule can be used strategically against him in the coming conflict.