Shloka 36
एवं ज्ञात्वा व्यवसितं भीष्मस्यामिततेजस: । ऋषयो वसवश्वैव वियत्स्था भीष्ममत्रुवन्,अताडयन् रणे भीष्मं सहिता: सर्वसृञज्जया: । समस्त सूंजय वीर एक साथ संगठित हो भयंकर शतघ्नी, परिघ, फरसे, मुद्गर, मुसल, प्रास, गोफन, स्वर्णमय पंखवाले बाण, शक्ति, तोमर, कम्पन, नाराच, वत्सदन््त और भुशुण्डी आदि अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंद्वारा रणभूमिमें भीष्मको सब ओरसे पीड़ा देने लगे अमिततेजस्वी भीष्मके इस निश्चयको जानकर आकाशमें खड़े हुए ऋषियों और वसुओंने उनसे इस प्रकार कहा--
evaṁ jñātvā vyavasitaṁ bhīṣmasyāmitatejasaḥ | ṛṣayo vasavaś caiva viyat-sthā bhīṣmam abruvan |
Sañjaya said: Having understood the firm resolve of Bhīṣma, whose splendor was immeasurable, the seers and the Vasus—standing in the sky—addressed Bhīṣma. The scene underscores how, even amid the violence of war, the inner determination of a righteous yet duty-bound warrior becomes an object of cosmic attention, inviting counsel from higher beings.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfast resolve (vyavasāya) in the face of crisis: Bhīṣma’s unwavering commitment to his chosen duty becomes so significant that higher beings (ṛṣis and Vasus) take notice and intervene with counsel. It frames ethical action in war as not merely physical combat but a test of inner determination and responsibility.
Sañjaya reports that, after recognizing Bhīṣma’s settled intention, the sages and the Vasus—positioned in the heavens—speak to him. This sets up a moment where divine or semi-divine observers respond to Bhīṣma’s stance, preparing the listener for their forthcoming words.