Shloka 456

भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ११०: पार्थभीमयोः प्रहारः तथा भीष्माभिमुखं संग्रामविस्तारः

Arjuna and Bhima’s pressure; escalation toward Bhishma

Devanagari script

दुर्योधनार्थ योत्स्यामि सत्यमेतदिति प्रभो । मेरी भीष्मजीके साथ एक शर्त हो चुकी है। उन्होंने कहा है कि “मैं युद्धमें तुम्हारे हितके लिये सलाह दे सकता हूँ, परंतु तुम्हारी ओरसे किसी प्रकार युद्ध नहीं करूँगा। युद्ध तो मैं केवल दुर्योधनके लिये ही करूँगा।' प्रभो! यह बिलकुल सच्ची बात है

Transliteration

duryodhanārthaṃ yotsyāmi satyam etad iti prabho |

Translation

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O Lord, I will fight for Duryodhana—this is the truth.” In context, he reports Bhīṣma’s prior condition: Bhīṣma may offer counsel for the Pāṇḍavas’ welfare, yet he will not take up arms on their behalf; in battle he will fight only for Duryodhana. The statement highlights the moral tension between personal vows, loyalty, and the tragic compulsions of war.

Word by Word

• {'duryodhanārtham': 'for the sake of Duryodhana

• on Duryodhana’s behalf', 'yotsyāmi': 'I will fight (future/intentive sense)', 'satyam': 'truth

• what is factually and morally affirmed', 'etat': 'this (statement/point)', 'iti': 'thus

• marking quoted speech or assertion', 'prabho': 'O Lord

Speaker

युधिछिर उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Yudhiṣṭhira
• Duryodhana
• Bhīṣma

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The passage foregrounds the ethical complexity of dharma in war: a warrior’s vows and loyalties can bind him to act in ways that conflict with broader notions of justice. Truthfulness (satyam) and fidelity to one’s pledged word are shown as powerful forces—even when they lead into tragic outcomes.

What is happening in the narrative?

Yudhiṣṭhira is conveying Bhīṣma’s declared stance: Bhīṣma may advise for the Pāṇḍavas’ benefit, but he will not fight on their side; he will fight only for Duryodhana. The line functions as a blunt affirmation of that battlefield alignment and the constraints created by Bhīṣma’s commitments.