Shloka 41
तमब्रवीच्छान्तनव: शिरो मे तात लम्बते । उपधान कुरुश्रेष्ठ फाल्गुनोपदधत्स्व मे,तब शान्तनुनन्दनने उनसे कहा--“तात! मेरा सिर लटक रहा है। कुरुश्रेष्ठ फाल्गुन! तुम मेरे लिये तकिया लगा दो
tam abravīc chāntanavaḥ: śiro me tāta lambate | upadhāna kuruśreṣṭha phālgunopadadhatsva me ||
Sañjaya said: Then the son of Śāntanu spoke: “Dear one, my head is drooping. O best of the Kurus, Phālguna—place a pillow beneath me.” In the midst of the battlefield’s harshness, the scene underscores a moment of humane care and disciplined duty even toward a fallen elder.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid war, dharma includes humane attentiveness and respect: a warrior’s duty is not mere violence but disciplined conduct, honoring elders and responding to genuine need without cruelty or pride.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīṣma (Śāntanava), lying in a weakened state, addresses Arjuna (Phālguna) and asks him to place a support under his head, highlighting a brief, intimate exchange of care on the battlefield.