Shloka 38
Adhyāya 112: Bhīṣma-prati Arjunasya Pravṛttiḥ
Arjuna’s Forward Drive Toward Bhīṣma
संयुद्धयमानो बहुभिर्भीष्म: शान्तनवस्तथा । अवकीरर्णो महामेरु: शैलो मेघैरिवावृत:,बहुत-से योद्धाओंके साथ अकेले युद्ध करते हुए शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्म उस समय बाणोंसे आच्छादित हो मेघोंके समूहसे आवृत हुए महान् पर्वत मेरुकी भाँति शोभा पा रहे थे
saṁyuddhyamāno bahubhir bhīṣmaḥ śāntanavas tathā | avakīrṇo mahāmeruḥ śailo meghair ivāvṛtaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: As Bhīṣma, the son of Śāntanu, fought on alone against many warriors, he appeared splendid—covered over with showers of arrows—like the great mountain Meru when it is veiled by masses of clouds. The image underscores steadfast valor and unwavering resolve amid overwhelming opposition in the righteous yet tragic setting of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast courage and composure under extreme pressure: even when surrounded and struck by countless arrows, Bhīṣma maintains his warrior-duty (kṣatriya-dharma). The grandeur of the Meru simile suggests inner firmness and dignity amid the chaos and moral weight of war.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma on the battlefield fighting against many opponents at once. Though showered and covered with arrows, Bhīṣma appears magnificent, compared to Mount Meru wrapped in clouds.