Shloka 8
भीष्मरथाभिमुख्यं — Arjuna’s advance with Śikhaṇḍin; Duḥśāsana’s interception
धृष्टद्युम्नस्तु समरे क्रोधेनाग्निरिव ज्वलन् । पितामहूं त्रिभिबणिर्बाह्वोरुससि चार्पयत्,धृष्टद्युम्न रणक्षेत्रमें क्रोधसे अग्निकी भाँति जल उठे। उन्होंने तीन बाणोंसे पितामह भीष्मको उनकी छाती और भुजाओंमें चोट पहुँचायी
sañjaya uvāca | dhṛṣṭadyumnas tu samare krodhenāgnir iva jvalan | pitāmahaṃ tribhir bāṇair bāhvor urasi cārpayat ||
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, blazing like fire with wrath, struck the grandsire Bhīṣma with three arrows, planting them in his arms and upon his chest—an image of fierce martial resolve directed even against an elder revered by all, as the demands of war override personal veneration.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between personal reverence and the harsh demands of kṣatriya warfare: even a universally respected elder like Bhīṣma becomes a legitimate target when one is bound to one’s side and duty in battle, and uncontrolled wrath intensifies violence.
Sañjaya describes Dhṛṣṭadyumna surging forward in anger on the battlefield and striking Bhīṣma with three arrows, lodging them in Bhīṣma’s arms and chest.